Oma

What is a hero? A hero can be many different things from smart, strong, brave, selfless, kind and etc. A hero in my eyes is many things such as kind, selfless, humble and brings joy. This person that I chose as my hero has all of these qualities, and that person is my Oma. My Oma is many things but she brings light and joy to everyone she meets even if it's the guy behind the grocery counter, she always finds a way to touch people's hearts.

The person I chose to do as my hero is my Oma, also known as Marjorie Ann Ewing Claussner. Marjorie was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She is the youngest out of eight from Evelyn and George Ewing. Her father worked as a school janitor and her mother worked as a housekeeper. Marjorie had a great time growing up with her sisters and living her teenage life on the beach. With eight people in the house, paying the rent was not fun for Marjorie's parents; they did not always have the money. Sometimes Marjorie would have to hide and be very quiet so the rent collectors would think they were not home. Other times, in the worst case, Marjorie's family would have to move to somewhere else. Marjorie did not really know she did not have a lot of money, she said she was always happy. When I asked my Oma some questions about her life she said something that stood out to me the most. "Money doesn't make you happy. When loving your friends and family a certain way you do not really compare yourself to what you have and don't have. I was always happy." As a young girl Marjorie was very active in her faith, God was very important in her life she loved going and participating joyfully in Church and going to Sunday school. At age 18 Marjorie met a young gentleman from Germany named Siegfried Claussner who had come to America from Germany to start a new life. Four years later Marjorie and Siegfried sealed the deal and got married. Siegfried and Marjorie went on to become very successful people in business. They traveled all around the world, but Marjorie never forgot where she came from.

Being a hero can mean many different things from how kind you are to how many people you help. After she and Siegfried became successful she realized that she came from a poor family. Marjorie believes in giving back to those who have little. She recites many bible verses about giving to and loving other people. Giving back is one of the most important tasks Marjorie does. She gives to many charities without thinking twice; if they need her help she will be there. She loves to give to charities that help the poor. Oma told me the one thing she remembers about her mother is that she always loved her husband and her children no matter what. Marjorie definitely has that same gift because she loves everyone with all her heart and soul. Last but not least, Marjorie has a great sense of humor and we know that she got that from her father. She is always happy and in a great mood. When she cracks her jokes she will be the first to laugh at herself. No matter how funny it might sound to you, her jokes are always funnier to her. This may not seem like a lot on paper, but in the hearts of many she does wondrous deeds.

My Oma has impacted my life greatly, she has taught me many things probably without even knowing it. She has taught me to give back to others, that God is good, but the greatest thing she has ever taught me is love. My Oma has supported me through my piano recitals as a little girl to my basketball and soccer careers now. She has loved me through my bad days and my good days. I can see that God has really touched her heart in a way words can not explain. If you could explain her love for each one of her children, grandchildren and everyone she has ever met it would take a whole library full of books. Oma has been an inspiration in my life and continues to be my rock. I pray to be just like my Oma as she cares and loves like Jesus does.

My hero has taught me many things over the course of my life. She has taught me to help others when no one else will, to love and trust in God, and to love everyone unconditionally. I do not know what kind of person I would be today if it were not for her. There is no one I rather call my hero then my wonderful Oma!