Over the past week*, everyone I know has been inspired by the collaborative rescue efforts in Thailand to bring the boys’ soccer team to safety after having been lost for two weeks.

Emotionally, we stood in unity with the parents of each missing boy, imagining a loved one in that situation. With each boy returned to the arms of  relatives, we’ve breathed a collective sigh of relief. We’ve offered silent prayers and salutations to the rescue crews for their determination, dedication and commitment to getting those boys out alive, no matter the risk.

This rescue mission happened on the world stage. Every person who knows of the rescue also knows of the courage and heroism it took to overcome insurmountable obstacles.

Every day, there are stories of courage, commitment and compassion that never make it into the news. These are the stories of unsung Heroes…some in uniform, some not…who make a difference.

Sometimes they’re fighting fires or fighting crime, other times they’re fighting ignorance, illiteracy or illness. Sometimes, they’re volunteering at soup kitchens, running book or backpack drives, sharing the Arts with those who might otherwise not have access, rescuing abused pets, delivering companionship and food to the elderly and ill, building houses for those in need….

Occasionally, these people receive recognition, more often, not. If you really think about it, many people you meet are unsung heroes in some way.

So today, not in any way to reduce the importance of what they’ve done, but as a way to honor the many heroes of the Thailand rescue operation that you can’t thank in person, why not take a moment to show your appreciation to one of the many unsung heroes within our own community that you can recognize? I bet you’ll make their day, and sweeten your own as well.

*Originally published in the 7/12/18 issue of Beyond the Nest’s weekly newsletter.