Stacey C. Adams

She is not a professional athlete or a supermodel. Nor did she rescue someone from a burning building or a raging flood. Not your typical hero, yet she does more than any hero. She is the strongest person I know. Not physically, like Superman or The Hulk; but strong-willed; mentally, as well as spiritually and emotionally.

On June 9, 1963, in Greenville, SC, Stacey Charlene, was born to proud parents, Thomas and Mattie Harris. A beautiful baby she was, with velvety chocolate skin, curly dark crimson hair, and large, round twinkling brown eyes. She grew up in a very tight-knit family with 9 brothers and sisters. Stacey was very gifted in many things like basketball and track, but her schedule did not permit her to participate in school sports. She had to get home early to take care of and watch her younger siblings. She also was responsible for having dinner ready and the house cleaned. Although there were 9 other children, a lot of the household chores and responsibility fell on Stacey. Things were hard and she often felt like she wasn’t having the chance to enjoy her childhood. The good that came with the responsibility was learning at a young age to put others before her.

Three of the most important hero qualities are sacrifice, selflessness, and humility. She mirrors all of these qualities flawlessly. Stacey sacrifices more than anyone I know. She sacrifices the things she highly values for the sake of others and always puts others before herself. She is very humble. Someone who does things behind the scenes to help people, and not for personal reward, is a great example of a hero. Heroes should not be boastful. Stacey is a very determined person. When she has her mind set on reaching a particular goal, nothing can stop her. She has a firmness of purpose. She is completely and whole-heartedly dedicated to her family and the people she cares about. I envy her patience, and I hope that one day I will have a high tolerance for incompetent people. She also is very emotional individual. She openly shares and shows her feelings.

She is a beautiful representation of my family; yes my family. I am proud to call her my Mother. Every time I need someone to talk to, or I feel as if the weight of the world is on my shoulders, I can call on her. She always has good advice, and I look up to her and admire her ways of love and compassion. She always helps others who are in need. I remember the first time I had my heart broken. When I felt like no one could love me, she stepped in and told me that if no one else loves me, she does. Her love gives me a sense of hope and security. She teaches me to be independent, because nothing in this world is handed to you. “You have to work for every ounce of anything. Nothing is free.” The advice she gives is advice that I use every day. She told me not to let others bring me down. She also taught me that it is important to not let other people’s problems become my own. Not meaning be selfish, but learn to love some people from a distance. “Feed them with a long-handled spoon,” as she would say.

Through hard times and adversity, Stacey made it through. I don’t necessarily consider her a hero; but more of a role model, someone who I aspire to be like. She is, in every way possible, a beautiful person with a loving and giving heart.