Happy Birthday to a Hero

I set pretty high standards for people.  As a result I have never had many “heroes” per say that I have looked up to or idolized.  People have always tended to fall short of my expectations in some way.  I learned that sports figures don’t measure up when Magic Johnson, one of my favorite childhood sports figures fell from grace after an extra-marital affair left him with a tarnished reputation and AIDs.  Not a fun way to find out athletes don’t make good role models. (or talk show hosts)

I also don’t idolize Hollywood.  I realize that there are many talented actors and actresses, and I can certainly appreciate their art.  I enjoy a great movie as much as anyone, but still they are just people and unlike most of us their flaws and missteps end up more often than not on the evening news, or at least Entertainment Tonight.

Artists and writers have always held a notable spot in my heart, but it doesn't take much more than reading past the dust jacket bio to realize the inherent personality and lifestyle flaws in these folks.  Still, part of me has always felt akin to this group and who knows, maybe if I ever dedicate some time and energy I might be able to connect myself to them in some way someday.  Still though, they are not my heroes as much as I do enjoy their vision and their craft.

I absolutely love music of all genres but I don’t even need a paragraph to explain why musicians are not on my hero list.  I would gladly rush the stage for a chance to shake hands with Paul Simon or high five Dave Matthews, but they are certainly not my idols or heroes.

Today though, there is someone who I do feel that I could put on a bit of a pedestal and not get any arguments from people, not even from that school teacher voice in the back of my head that starts listing the chinks in the armor of most people.  And conveniently enough today is her birthday.

Jennifer “Jenni” Reusser is a local hero in my eyes, and I am not alone in this thought.  Jenni is the Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce President, but her influence and heroism go far beyond that.  She is active in nearly every aspect of the Orrville community, from church to business, school to city she works tirelessly to lift us all to a higher place.  She has eyes that are open to the good in everyone (and that is tough in a small town) and not closed to even the most closed-minded.  She offers a perspective that comes not only from her collective experience, but from her very loving and open heart.  She truly cares about those who are under her influence, and that list includes most all of us.  Jenni has brought together seemingly polar forces and calmed storms that could have taken a hurricane’s toll.  

She is not only the great communicator and tailor of the quilt of Orrville’s business community; she is truly its loving caretaker.  Jenni speaks from her heart, but not to pacify, and never in half-truth.  She tells it like it is and looks for ways to build up, not condemn, those who have strayed from the pack.  I have a great deal to learn from this amazing woman, and a great deal of respect for all she does.

Happy Birthday Jenni!  I truly hope this is your best year yet.  You continue to honor us with your leadership, amaze us with your talents, guide us with your wisdom and encourage us with your cheerleading.   

Thank you!