~~I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.~~ Maya Angelou
I wish we had a wall of honor here.....or an ongoing blog kinda like the Freedom Train to recognize every hero here on our site. Because one right word can save a quit. One caring suggestion can ease the quit journey. One gentle hug can change a life.
And I see it so much here!! I see Jackie not only growing in her quit but offering wisdom and knowledge to others. I see Marilyn's humor and daily posts bring out the best in others. I see Giulia and Dale and Thomas ceaselessly encourage, support, and hold up endless quitters. I see Nancy and Wendy and Terrie and Nikki and so many others offer shoulders and hands and ears. And Tommy and RickM who steady those shaky quits over and over again.
No, they are not here for kudos or applause. They don't need the recognition. But they matter. Just as much as the new quitters matter. Just as much as the NMLers matter. Just as much as those who flit in and out matter. I wouldn't just call them elders....that is a number behind a name.
I call them heroes. They are steady and strong and confident. They are knowledgeable and kind and no nonsense. They are the backbone of this site and the warriors who stand in front of the new quits, forging the way. Their grace, their fortitude, their never-ending patience bring peace, calmness, understanding to all. They add value to us, this site, and the world.
I know I've written about this before but it's been on my mind. So, I was just thinking that they needed something special...like a place we could thank them or honor them or jsut remind them that they matter.
