Heroes – Join me on a blessed and heartfelt journey of discovery!

A Hero Among Us and a Mother of the…

May 26, 2023May 17, 2023
by admin

I believe every person’s story could be made into a major motion picture, complete with all the things we hold dear. Joyous celebration, heart-rending grief, challenges to overcome, and lessons to learn. These are the things that make a movie enjoyable, and these are the moments that comprise our lives. As Veronica Williams generously shared her story with me, it reminded me of this. She also reminded me how each of our stories matters because we matter. A reminder we matter not for what we have done, but for who we are. Read more “A Hero Among Us and a Mother of the Community” →

Heroes Among Us

A Hero Among Us – The Faithful One

March 2, 2022
by admin

It’s not easy to follow a dream, to take those steps off the cliff edge and surrender to the unknown. It is even more daunting to do so when others depend on you, you are faced with family loss or have health challenges. Yet, Annette Hernandez has followed her dream despite all she has met with courage, strength, determination, grace, and kindness.

Heroes Among Us

A Hero, An Artist and the Tiny Prints

March 18, 2021March 18, 2021
by admin

‘Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.’ I first encountered these words in a little framed picture of a butterfly that had been left on the counter where I work. Despite asking several people, no one could account for how this miniature piece of artwork had found its way to its new home where it has remained for several years. Simple and profound words that, unbeknownst to me at the time, built a connection between Nita Streetman and I. A reminder of the importance of kindness and soon I would learn, a reminder as well, at how we are all connected, unknowingly impacting each other.

Heroes Among Us

A Hero Among Us and the Dancer

November 18, 2020
by admin

Watching Sabrina dance on stage is pure joy but it also reveals a lot about who she is as a person. She dances with grace, agility and strength but it is her heart that shines through the most. These somewhat opposing characteristics are also apparent when she is dealing with socially sensitive issues. She has so much compassion, particularly for those that don’t have a voice, and yet don’t mistake this for weakness for this is where her power is. She is very willing to listen but will not relinquish her values because someone believes differently. She is helpful and supportive beyond measure but will not be taken advantage of. Just like a dancer’s flexibility, her grace is supported by an inner strength that is not apparent to the casual observer.

Heroes Among Us

A Hero Among Us and the Fearless Voice

August 27, 2020August 24, 2020
by admin

Though we had lived in the same small community for many years the first time my path crossed with Ashley Costa was just after she had won a seat to Lompoc’s City Council. The Council for many years had been comprised primarily of middle-aged males from our community with the occasional middle-aged female, but never someone in their twenties. To essentially be a lone representative in both gender and age as well as probably ideals was a challenge I couldn’t fathom anyone desiring but I admired her for taking on those challenges. When she did win my first thought was, “Awesome! You go girl!” but that was followed with thoughts of how much work she had before her. Little did I know at the time how Ashley thrives on challenge and hard work.

Heroes Among Us

A Hero Among Us and The Cheerleader

July 2, 2020
by admin

When first meeting Ken Ostini, his six foot plus stature is rather imposing, but his friendly, warm manner and easy banter quickly expose his love for Lompoc as well as his long history in our community. My interactions with Ken initially looked to be short lived. He became the CEO of the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce as my time on the board came to an end, hardly allowing us to learn each other’s name. Fortunately for me, a short time later, our paths crossed again and again on a regular basis as I was able to work with him for several years on different activities within our valley.

Heroes Among Us

A Hero Among Us-De’Vika

April 10, 2020April 9, 2020
by admin

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world.” ~Mr. Fred Rogers~

Never have these words been more true for me than today. I have found comfort in seeing all the individuals in our community that have come forward during our current challenges to help, reminding me of the strength, compassion and kindness that is abundant in our little valley. One of the individuals that can be seen helping is De’Vika Stalling as she leads at the Lompoc Boys and Girls Clubhouse which is now serving as a food distribution center for the SB County Food Bank. Timing is every thing they say, and in this case it is very true. Earlier this year, I reached out to De’Vika, thanking her for being one of my heroes and learning more about her inspiring story which she graciously shared with me. And now I wish to share it with you. Here is the story of one of the many helpers in our community.

Read more “A Hero Among Us-De’Vika” →

Heroes Among Us

A Hero Among Us-Lucy

February 27, 2020February 19, 2020
by admin

Her petite stature belies the underlying strength and conviction with which Lucy Thoms-Harrington experiences life. Indeed, on our initial meeting, I noticed her calm brown eyes and easy smile but these were accompanied by a presence that meant business. It wasn’t a ‘get out of my way’ impression but rather an ‘I am here and we’re getting things done together’ presence. For several years my encounters with Lucy were brief, (she was working full-time and then some with travel thrown in on a regular basis) however, this consistent strength and conviction to her belief system was apparent. The truth was important to her. Fair and equitable treatment for everyone was paramount. And women’s rights? Ask her a question or address something about women’s rights and the passion in her voice and the light in her eyes many times communicated more about how she felt than the words themselves.

Read more “A Hero Among Us-Lucy” →

Heroes Among Us

February 20, 2020February 19, 2020
by admin

We are all teachers and yet we are all students when we allow ourselves to witness another’s story. I truly believe that everyone has a story of interest with lessons we can learn from and be inspired by. I know I have experienced this with many different people throughout my life. People that have given me hope or insight into how things can be better. Sometimes they have been the light on the path when there is darkness, the encouraging word to believe in myself when I didn’t, but more often than not, they have shown me a different way to approach this thing we call life and for that I am eternally grateful. These are my heroes.

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