Unsung Heroes Dominate Awards for 2007

Time once again to reflect back on 2007. I’ve made my resolutions for 2008 but there’s still some unfinished business. As you may remember from previous years, my eyes and ears remain constantly open for good deeds, service beyond the call of duty, and all around goodness. For lack of a better term I call it the “Stroupe Thumbs Up Awards”.

My thumbs won’t be pointed upward for O.J. Simpson, Britney Spears, or that dictator from Iran. And that feuding gig Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump try to keep alive between them certainly forces their exclusion from any award of mine.

But I digress. Let’s get to the positives. I’m an optimist you know, and certainly I have been inspired by others in 2007. Without further ado:

YOU CAN RING MY BELL- Kudos to everyone who has ever dropped some cash or change into the Salvation Army bucket. But I’ve been thinking and I’ve concluded that I’ve even prouder of all the folks who stand out in the cold and ring the bells and collect the money. I’m pretty sure they don’t get paid. At least not on this side of Heaven.

OVER THERE- Every day, there are men and women in the U.S. Military who risk their lives protecting our freedoms. The relative popularity of their wars is irrelevant to me- they’re still laying it on the line us regardless of the percentage of Americans who support them.

OVER HERE- And there are many who appreciate the sacrifices soldiers have made in the past. Take Palmer Bailey, for example. He spent hour upon hour constructing monuments and caring for the graves of veterans at Bethel Baptist Church in Ellenboro. And I was afforded the privilege of accompanying him on a guided tour of his handiwork.

NOT TO FEAR, UNDERDOG IS HERE- How ‘bout my two favorite universities. My alma mater Appalachian State pulled off the miracle in the Big House against the Michigan football team. A few months later, my beloved Runnin’ Bulldogs of Gardner-Webb shocked the sports world with a blowout of basketball powerhouse Kentucky in front of nearly 20,000 irritated Wildcat fans.

LOVIN’ SPOONFULS- Beware if you venture into the Gardner-Webb cafeteria- Tina may hug you in front of everybody. If not, she will most certainly call you “Darling” or “Honey” several times in one conversation. She serves everyone an extra cup of kindness that I’m sure allows the students to feel that home is not so far away. Tina is representative of the entire staff. From the time you enter the door until you leave, someone is smiling and wishing you a nice day. I don’t think they get that so much at mega-universities. We’re lucky.

And this year’s grand prize winner- (drum roll please)

FRIENDS ARE FRIENDS FOREVER- When one of our classmates fell, the good folks of the Cherryville High classes of 1982 and 1983 rose to the occasion. A friend’s funeral is a tragic place for a reunion, but old friends rallied together to form a support network that has made a permanent impression on me. And by the way, guys, thanks for not electing me president my senior year. You would have impeached me by now.

Have a great 2008 and remember- my eyes, ears, and thumbs are always watching.