Society today is comprised of constant problems caused by the people who it's comprised of. Often times when these problems need tending to, it takes a special someone with the right attitude that's willing to take time out of their day to help others. The type of demeanor that lifts spirits and inspires others to follow in their footsteps of good works. I like to call these special someones 'heroes.'

Hero's are often thought of as supreme warriors or athletes with super natural gifts that help them to accomplish impressive feats once thought by everyone else to be impossible. They're usually portrayed to have some sort of extra talent that sets them apart form the rest of us normal people. This stigma is what causes a lot of people to over look the other hero's in the world. The everyday hero's who serve purposes that hit closer to home. Like the police officer who visits an elementary school to teach the children about proper road safety or the the firemen who rush to the dangerous seen of a burning building to save what belongings they can for a local family. Or in this particular case, a hard working mom who strives everyday to make the lives of her loved ones easier.

My hero's my mother. The one person I can count on in the world to fight tooth and nail for me no matter the situation or it's foreseen outcome. Mom's are often taken for granted and much of what they do is belittled and overshadowed in today's world. But mom's take care of the little things, all the minor details that keep their kids and families lives running smoothly. So what makes my mom and many other mothers so great, because let's face it, there are still a good amount of deadbeats out there who neglect their maternal duties. I'll give you 3 big character traits that'll keep any women in the race for mom of the year.

Staying motivated is essential to any long term goal. Now days the patience and diligence it takes to stay motivated is lacking in many people because much of the population is accustomed to instant gratification. With that being said, motivation is one of those priceless intangibles that keep dreams alive for the future. after all, where would any of the greats be if they hadn't stayed motivated? Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and Michael Jordan were all iconic figures world wide who were known for revolutionizing their fields of work and only did so through staying MOTIVATED. Throughout all the pitfalls, criticism and eventually success.

My mother was dealt somewhat of a crappy hand during her early years. The early passing of her mother and father was tough to say the least and problems were only magnified as she inherited the responsibility of caring for her for younger siblings, 3 of which were barely old to start school. With custody battles, past due house payments and a child of her own on the way, things appeared to be going from bad to worse. However, my mother kept a never say quit attitude. She always new she'd wanted to help people and by pursuing a career in the medical field, finishing school and holding down several part time jobs, she was able to provide for her siblings while keeping them together, catch up on her bills and welcome her daughter and son into a healthy enviornment; soon after landing a good job at a pharmacy.

It's often said that if you don't have to work hard for it then it isn't worth it. It's my belief that few words have been spoken truer than these. You'd be hard pressed to find a single person today who's made it to a stage in life where they are financially successful, that hasn't had to work there butt off to get to where they are. The same can be said for relationships and physical success. Set a goal, work hard for it and then work harder. That's what our country was built on, that's what success is made of. No one got anywhere sitting and wishing.

A few years after my mother, father, sisters and I all moved to Oregon, my mom decided to go back to college. Not the easiest thing in the world to do for a women with a child still in their toddler years and two teenagers who were still very much in need of help getting through the rebellious hormonal years of young adulthood. Adding to these troubles were the tasks paying for school extra curricular's, being there to support those extra curricular's, nurturing the growth and development of a young small child and funding her own schooling at a local college. Finding the time to do all of this would prove to be a real challenge and the rigorous course work and demanding schedule of the highly competitive nursing program was only going to make things harder. Still my mother remained focused on working hard towards a better future. Just about every day consisted of getting up early in the morning to to go to work, heading off to school at night where she would attend her college classes, and finding time somewhere in between to study, cook dinner for her family, make it to her kids games, and volunteer on the weekends at church as a Sunday school teacher.

If there's one thing a hero has to be it's selfless. If you find yourself doing things that benefit others just to get noticed or receive some form of recognition, than odds are your probably not a hero. Hero's do these things regardless of whether or not others notice their deeds and they rarely get caught up in the self gratification of individual awards. A selfless hero is an admirable one who re-frames from boasting and trying to out do others. They do what they do for the simple pleasures of helping those around them to strengthen the community.

My mom always kept the mindset of giving love to receive love. When my uncle was struggling with addiction and a fast lifestyle down in our native home of California, my mother was the first and only out of anyone of our family to reach out a helping hand. She opened up her home to my uncle and helped him get back on his feet, expecting no form of repayment in return. Even now my mother continues to express her desire to share her happiness and resources with others. With the help of my dad, together they organised an event to collect clothes and every day necessities to donate to the Eugene Missions. She also continues to provide assistance in church with the youth ministry. My mom's made a consistent effort to teach my sisters and I a lesson about extending love and compassion to everyone we encounter in life. A lesson that's stuck with all of us.

My hero was never known for her great accomplishments on a monumental scale or recognized for extraordinary performance in any sort of theater. She'll probably never have a statue built in commemoration to her bravery on the battle field and I don't foresee her sparking any form of revolution. But her jobs important, and she does it well. She's a helping hand to those in need and a great example for her kids to learn from. She's battle tested and overcame many odds through trial and triumph. My hero is motivated, hardworking and selfless. My hero's a... MY mom.