My New Hero

I met Ethel yesterday; she's my new hero. She's a 54 year old black woman who works in a dress shop for minimum wage (at best). She has numerous physical ailments and a criminal record; constant reminders of her past. She's caring for her four grandchildren; the father is long gone and the mother is off "in Dallas, doin' her thing." She came to PATH yesterday for some help with groceries and gas. She wants a better job and a decent place to live, but that felony conviction 10 years ago for a drug charge keeps that dream out of reach. Her oldest granddaughter is now "13 but looks like 18", and Ethel is scared to death for her. She's wearing herself out, keeping watch, monitoring phone calls, checking with friends and schools - committed to providing the guidance and protection these children need. But, it's getting her down; she doesn't feel well, she feels like a failure, and she really wants "to have a little fun in my life." But there's no time or money for that. She's got the next generation of her family to raise! No urban legend here, this is as real as life gets. She's my hero!