Hero of the Week

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you may have noticed that my weekly Friday column titled Hero of the Week has been missing for a while. Well, like everyone else out there, we have been enjoying our summer. So, what little time I have had lately has been spent in the pool or playing with the kids. I apologize, but I will try to make up for it by giving you a story I'm sure you won't soon forget.

My Hero of the Week column began after I grew tired listening to the media decide that bad news was the only news that needed to be reported. The Hero of the Week is someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty, or someone who may have quietly performed a heroic deed that only he himself may know about, but the deed is much bigger than he may understand.

I have chosen my son Scooter as my Hero of the Week.

Although Scooter often makes his way into the stories I tell, I have up until now left out a few details about my youngest. When Scooter was one years old he would constantly get ear infections. After the tenth time we decided to get tubes. I spoke to many parents before we went through this surgery, and all had good things to report.

About two months after receiving tubes, I noticed a difference in the way Scooter heard the world. He began to ask about conversations that I had with my husband in another room. He asked about sounds that were normally ignored by others, but unavoidable for him. His hearing had become so acute that he began to become scared of the simplest of things.

The last 2 years have been spent with pediatricians, specialists, and O.T's. Most giving us the same answer: "He will grow out of this."

To some people, this would be good news. But as a Mother, I needed a time line. In my mind I was always counting down to the first day of Pre-K. "Would he be able to cope?" "Would something scare him so much that he wouldn't go back." I felt like Scooter's translator many days. "Tell them I can't do that Mommy. Tell them it scares me," would be written all over his face.

Many days I felt helpless, like a wet band aid that clings to a sore but is unable to protect anymore.

So like any Mom, I tried to convince my son just how strong he really was. If a sensory processing disorder was something that he could learn to cope with, then he already had the tools he needed. It was just up to him to be ready.

He was ready today.

It's been two years since Scooter has been able to walk into a movie theater without screaming. Today he did it. With his brother Potter, his Mom Mom and myself by his side; he did it!

As he stayed focused on the screen; I was focused on him. I couldn't help but let a few tears get by from time to time. He sat there in hysterics eating his popcorn and appearing to be unaffected by all the noise. It doesn't get better than this.

Despite this enormous step today, Scooter has a long way to go. But for the first time in a long time, I saw him move forward.

You are courageous my little man. One day you will take on the world like you took on today. You are stronger than you know. Follow your heart. You can become anything you want to be. But today, you are a hero!

Hero of the Week

When did bad news become the only news? That's the question I asked myself right before I decided to write this column a few weeks ago. In light of all that is wrong with this world, I wanted to spotlight (if only for a day) all that is right.

For this weeks column I chose to spotlight two brothers and a group of good samaritans from Milwaukee.

As volunteer firefighters, John and Joel Rechlitz are used to answering the call of duty. But last Sunday, when the call came from John's wife, they had no idea what was in store for them.

A few blocks away, a mother and her 2 children became trapped in their SUV after the mother fell asleep at the wheel. Quickly, their car became engulfed in flames. Witnesses of the accident tried to free the family by kicking in the windows.

While John and Joel rescued the mother and her two year old through the front windshield, they noticed a second child trapped in his car seat and beginning to burn.

Thanks to the heroic actions of John, Joel, and the members of the community of Milwaukee, all three family members made it out of the burning car alive. I have included a link to the story here, as well as a video feed.

May you all arrive at your destinations safely today and always. And may there always be angels watching over you like those brave citizens of Milwaukee.

For a little fun tonight, don't forget to stop by Ann's for a cocktail and a chance to meet some new friends! Have a wonderful weekend!

Hero of the Week

When did bad news become the only news? That's the question I asked myself right before I decided to write this column a few weeks ago. In light of all that is wrong with this world, I wanted to spotlight (if only for a day) all that is right.

Since we will be celebrating our independence this weekend, I decided that this weeks hero will focus on a group of people rather than one individual. Mommy Maestro's Hero's of the Week are the men and women who fight for our freedom...our military!

Whether you are for or against war, one thing we have to agree on is how courageous our military folk are. When called for duty, they don't ask why, they just report. Often leaving loved ones behind, they give up their own lives so that we may enjoy our freedom.

It is easy to take our military for granted when war is not fought on your own soil. We put our faith in the hands of men and women from all types of backgrounds. Some of whom have only graduated high school a few months ago. We rely on our media to relay the day to day events so that we may understand better what it takes to live a privileged life of freedom. Because my friends, as you know, freedom isn't free.

The families of our troops are also our hero's. They often sit and wait quietly at their homes, for a post card, an email or a telephone call. Any sign that will calm their fears, if only for a few minutes, and bring about some peace.

While some will get to make large cardboard signs welcoming their loved ones home; others must learn to go on without. There are no good reasons, no justifications, only the belief that dying for one's own country is the highest of honors.

Whether a member of the military, or their family, today we salute each and every one of you. Thank you.

Just a reminder: brandish your red, white and blue this weekend. Although we're all headed out to some parties, let's not forget our favorite one tonight hosted by Ann. It's a chance to visit new blogs and meet a lot of great people.

Hero of the Week

The Hero of the Week column began about a month ago after I became frustrated with the nightly news. I thought it was time to give more recognition to those who change the world instead of those who try to destroy it. With that said, my Hero of the Week goes to Doctor Jonathan A. Roth.

Yesterday morning was spent at St. Christopher's Hospital in Philadelphia. Our little guy, Scooter was scheduled for out-patient surgery. Although this was not a complicated surgery, there is still some state of fear that you go through as a parent when your child is put in someone else's care.

The paper work, the tears, the minutes that feel like hours until your child is back in your arms. It was a rough morning for the whole family.

As we sat in the waiting room, we watched as doctors approached parents to give them the news that their child was doing fine and that a nurse would be out to get them soon.

Finally at 10:30 am (we had already been up for 5 hours) Dr. Roth emerged from behind the doors. But unlike the other doctors who took a seat right in the waiting room, our doctor pointed us to outside. My heart sank. Only bad news is given in hallways. What had happened? Where's my son?

Once the door closed behind us, Dr. Roth smiled: "He did great," he said.

He continued in this kind manner until he finished giving us directions. My husband and I thanked him and returned to our seats in the waiting room.

Here I was getting all worked up when in actuality what I had just experienced was an act of kindness. For a small moment, Dr. Roth went out of his way to bring us comfort. He took the time to step into our shoes and give some reassurance when it was needed.

For that reason Dr. Roth, you have been chosen my Hero of the Week.

Hero of the Week

As you know I started this column a few weeks back in response to the continuous violence that we witness on our nightly news. I thought it was time instead to report about the people who make an impact everyday; the people who don't wait for a pat on the back, a thank you, or even a "nice going." It is those values that make them hero's and worthy of a spot on Mommy Maestro's blog.

I had mentioned earlier that there may be weeks when this column is not published. Despite my efforts, I do fall behind on current events from time to time. This week was a perfect example. But alas, it struck me while having a conversation with my Mom. So in light of Father's Day, I'm nominating my Step-Dad Alex Bongart for my Hero of the Week.

Some people don't like the term Step. They look at it as some demotion. No matter how hard they try, they will never be your biological anything. I on the other hand use it with great pleasure when I speak of Alex, because to me, he stepped-up to the challenge.

Alex didn't come into my life until my Senior year of high school. I was pretty much set in my ways by then. Who would have guessed the impact he would make in my life.

When I first met him, he smoked a pipe filled with Cherry tobacco. I'm not a fan of smokers, but there was something sweet about that scent. He also had honest eyes. I told my Mom that he was a keeper, and around 4 years later, they were married.

I think this man has a multitude of goodness within him. Not only did he purchase my prom gown for me when my mom could not afford one, he actually helped me pick one out. He was there for all my graduations, and along with my brother; he walked me down the isle on my wedding day. When he got the news that I was going into labor 2 and a half months early, he left his job, stood at my bedside and tried to assure me everything would be all right.

Everything was all right. Today I have two lovely boys. Each are affectionately known as "Pop-Pop's Little Buddies." They cherish him just as much as I do.

Alex can always be counted on for an extra hand. When we purchased our pool, it was Alex who volunteered to help my husband build our patio. As I look around my property, I am reminded of the many projects that had Alex's signature on it at some point.

I will be forever grateful that Alex found his way into my Mom's life and into our families hearts.

I hope you are all as lucky as I am. Be sure to wish your own father's Happy Father's Day this weekend.