Sandy Supposes....

Respect

PROMPT September 13th

Who do you see as role model of yours, either a professional or 'everyday' person, and why should everyone else know about this person?

         Who did I look up to? Well, the answer to that question would be my parents. They married young and worked to provide for me and my siblings. They provided shelter, food and clothing with little money left for frivolities. Neither would purchase something before first paying the bills. They did not put their wants before ours. If a child needed new shoes he/she would receive them and my parents would continue to schlep around in their own worn out footwear. They supported us emotionally, too. We were hugged. An interest was shown in our pursuits. They were never distant or unavailable. Nope, I cannot complain about my parents.

         When I left home to attempt to live as an independent adult my parents would reach out to talk and/or listen. Of course they proffered advice whether I wanted it or not, but they did not demand that I accept it. They always seemed to be willing to act as sounding boards. Not once did I hear an "I told you so" , or a "Well, I would've done it differently." They loved me enough to permit me to make and own my mistakes.

         No, I've never known a professional role model. Is there such a person? Would I discover such a being listed in the yellow pages? How would they convey their ideas? Would it be similar to shadowing a parent-at-work day? Would I be expected to attend classes, workshops, or seminars? Ah, could I assume I'd have an exam, or an essay to write?

         Wait, what exactly is an 'influencer?' My memory is of my Mom expressing her belief that so-and-so was a 'bad influence' and might not be the best choice as a friend. Did I heed that maternal concern? That's a subject for another blog.

         Really, what is an influencer? This seems to be a phenomenon that is featured in movies now. Someone aims to collect followers and labels their online efforts to be those of an 'influencer.' Do people follow their every move, decision, act without compunction? If a certain young woman films her every hour in a day am I supposed to be impressed? Ooo, she applies a beauty shop load of make-up and professes to be the best guru? Nah, she's wearing a mask. At best she has an opinion, a biased one. Why should I care what she chooses to smear on her visage?

         This is definitely not my idea of a role model. Everyday people are the real heroes. Parents toiling to raise their children. Teachers promoting lifelong learning. The crossing guard on duty at a busy intersection. The janitor mopping the floors. The doctor, the nurse calming frightened patients. The truck driver running the gauntlet of relentless traffic. All of these people give of themselves to help others and they do it without accolades. They strive whether they are exhausted, or burdened by their own worries.

         They deserve my respect.