Real Women Are Alaskan!: My Monday Hero

Funny how the world sees "real women. . ."

Evidenced by all the Real Housewives of. . . shows which seem to be overtaking our televisions, it appears that the world believes we should all be wealthy, pampered, enviable, catty, curvaceous, gorgeous, and more. While we may be gorgeous, most of us are not rich or spoiled or even catty. We are ~ simply put ~ real.

The idea for this blog came after watching a few of those real housewives shows and realizing just how skewed the views of everyday life can be through the eyes of these women. Particularly to those of us in the trenches, working day-in-day-out to take care of ourselves, our children, our parents, our spouses/partners. Those of us who are out there earning a living, who may be dealing with catastrophic events or troubled children or medical issues or partner concerns.

This is a call to all women everywhere who live everyday lives and who want to simply do their best as they love all, laugh often, and live fully. Let us unite with our whole heart and soul, with humanity and grace, with vigor and hope. We are women and we are thankful to be so!

Monday, June 6, 2011

My Monday Hero - Sensational Sabra!

My cousin Sabra (who used to spell it Sabre'!), is one of my very favorite people in the world! She is a one-woman show, truly. I have literally known her all of my life, and we've been buds the entire time. Consider that I've pushed past the half-century range. . .that's a very long time ~ in people years!

I recall visiting Sabra and her family when we were children and hearing her father wish her and her sisters a good-night over the radio where he deejay-ed. Radio was a natural element for this family, as they are the ultimate talent when it comes to music and singing. All they have to do is stand all together and begin a song, a cappella, and the most glorious harmonies appear out of nowhere! Including biology and half-siblings, Sabra's family boasts seven girls and two boys. What an incredibly awesome choir to behold!

Yet, as this week's Monday Hero, Sabra tops the list not because of her melodious forte, but because of her phenomenal strength, leadership, charity, and intense love for her family. Recently Sabra posted on her facebook page that she has found the "language of love; it is Alzheimer's." This simple statement brought tears to my eyes and a deep outpouring of love for this extraordinary cousin.

Sabra ~ who owns and runs her own mortgage business ~ has taken her mother, diagnosed with Alzheimer's only a few short years ago, into her home to care for her day and night. Somehow she has created the capacity to stretch time and space into whatever is needed. With so many siblings, Sabra certainly has help, yet the most compelling thing. . .she would do the same whether she had siblings or not!

A comedian, a singer, a businesswoman, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a cousin, and more ~ Sabra is and always will be at the top of my Hero List! She cracks me up without even trying, while at the same time showing forth a tenderness and kindliness beyond compare. She is energy and might and strength in one package who loves deeply and cares fiercely.

Sabra, you are my family and you are my friend. Having a cousin who has so profoundly become a best friend ~ what a glorious blessing! I adore you, I love you beyond compare, and I strive to become what you exemplify with the strength of character you exhibit. You are my hero!

06.07.2011 - CLARIFICATION:
After posting yesterday, my dear cousin Sabra clarified that her Mom does not actually live with her in her home. In Sabra's words:

"Mom, thanks to her pension, social security, and part of Ted's pension, lives in a memory care center called Legacy Village. It is five minutes from my house and work. It is about two blocks away from Aunt Fern, and when Ted lived with his son, Donny, it was about five minutes away for him......centrally located, Mom has visits from your sister, Aunt Lucile, Elma Leta and Linda Anne, and Cristi's work is just down the street. So we have been fortunate to find a spot where everyone can visit when they want."

Thank you for assuring my information is accurate; doing so speaks even more fully to the honorable and extraordinary woman you are! That being said, Sabra, you are and will always remain my hero for the many and multiple things I have listed above. You are awesome, incredible, and wonderful. If I could put you on a plane to Alaska once a month, I would do so, just to get my "Sabra-hit," which is all too rare these days!