Everyday Heroes: What legacy will you leave behind? Latest book offers shining examples

Following is the introduction to Steve Flairty’s newest book, Kentucky’s Everyday Heroes #4, as he talks about the importance of leaving a positive legacy and several Kentuckians who are examples of such.

By Steve Flairty
NKyTribune columnist

I recently shared a story with a group of fourth-graders about the life of a 97-year-old man who had died only the day before. They listened well, and they learned that he had humbly served the people of his small community with many unselfish acts of kindness, and that he was hailed by many as a “good man.”

Afterwards, I used the man’s life as an example to introduce the term “legacy.” I suggested a simple definition of the word as: “What one leaves behind after one is gone.” That seemed to make sense to the class, and we had a thoughtful discussion of the inspirational legacy he likely left the people who knew him.

In full teacher mode, I followed by directing the students to do a short writing assignment, answering this question: What legacy would you hope to leave when you die? The responses, in most cases, appeared heartfelt and thoughtful. I was happy to see that their hopeful personal legacies included items like “always sticking up against bullying” and “helping the poor” and “being kind to others.”

As I left the classroom that day, I sensed that most of the couple dozen or so youngsters likely added a very functional word to their vocabulary, the word “legacy.” In addition, I was hopeful that our activity might even change some everyday habits for the better.

That’s good, because all during the process of researching, interviewing and writing the Kentucky’s Everyday Heroes series, starting with the first interview in 2006, I’ve attempted to keep the important concept of legacy right smack in the forefront of my thinking. I’ve enjoyed sharing amazing accounts of Kentuckians who leave extraordinary legacies of true grit and sacrifice for others—even stretching to the level of true heroism. I have also appreciated hearing readers’ responses to the stories, ones I’ve identified as “having overcome extreme personal challenges and thrived, and/or have deeply sacrificed for the good of others in their communities and beyond.” The responses have been, as one would expect, overwhelmingly positive. Not only that, but many anxiously suggest other everyday heroes I might consider including in the series.

Each, even in death, will likely leave a legacy that will inspire the living—and begetting, in time, more positive legacies. And now, with the release of volume No. 4 in the series, I have profiled over 100 individuals who have, or are, leaving a life path that those who follow would do well to emulate.

Remarkable legacies, all. Let’s look back at a few.

Mary Jo Phillips, Central City, was one of the Everyday Heroes I profiled in the first volume. She partnered in over 50 years of fruitful church ministry with her husband George, a Methodist Church evangelist, working throughout Kentucky and other states, and even internationally. In an outreach mission in poverty-stricken Paraguay, South America, she obtained financing for a day-care center that would allow poor mothers to work for subsistence pay. She achieved that by humbly selling drinking cups and a small booklet, and she offered emotional support and leadership. Today, the Mary Jo Phillips Methodist Daycare Center of Ascunsion, in Paraguay, is a thriving beacon of hope amidst the poorest of the poorest there. Mary Jo tragically died in an automobile accident in 2009, but the saintly woman leaves an image of a servant’s heart to those in this South American community, along with those who knew her in Kentucky and elsewhere around the United States.

Also profiled in the first volume, Lexington’s Pat Smith was an inspiring leader in 20 years of voluntary service with Habitat for Humanity, a Christian housing ministry building homes for financially challenged individuals. Its reach is international in scope, and Pat was right in the middle of the action until his untimely death in the Comair Flight 5191 runway crash, in Lexington, in 2006. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he was preparing to travel to Gulfport, Mississippi to help in the Kentucky-Mississippi Habitat Rebuilding Project there.

What is Pat Smith’s legacy? A whole lot, to be sure. Very telling is the fact that I had no problem finding interviewees to enthusiastically talk about the difference Pat made in their lives, along with others they observed. Besides the hundreds of individuals he helped who were “in need of safe, decent and affordable housing,” plus a legion of Habitat volunteers he inspired to continue the work, the Pat Smith Habitat for Humanity Endowment Fund carries his name and influence in raising funds to carry on the Habitat mission, even in his death.

Another Everyday Hero, read alongside Mary Jo and Pat in the first book, was Bettie L. Johnson. An African-American born in the early part of the 20th century, she was prohibited from attending the main campus of the University of Louisville because of the color of her skin. Nevertheless, she got her degree and a good education elsewhere and had a successful career in education, government and business. Ironically, her role as a benefactor of the school led to her name being placed in tribute on a student dormitory on campus today—the beautiful Bettie L. Johnson Hall, a fitting and highly visible legacy of a person who didn’t embrace bitterness but, rather, took the high road.

Profiled in the second volume, writer Evelyn Johnson Seals, in Middlesboro, had a giving habit. She shared items with the poor that she collected and stored in her home, called “The Blessing House.” She wrote about the soul of the poor in a local newspaper column. She passed a few years ago, and no doubt the life of this noble spirit will live on through her neighbors who were touched by her kindness and understanding.

And, in this fourth volume book of special Kentuckians, there are 19 living examples of everyday courage, compassion, and personal commitment. Each has an overcoming attitude and a strong desire to live, and reach, for something “bigger than oneself.” Take your pick, but here are a few I’ll mention. In at least one way or another, they draw from the best possible attributes of the good and decent. When they one day pass on, they’ll leave a reservoir of sparkling water and nobility from which those left may drink and be refreshed.

Linda Allen grew up on a farm doing chores and was a caregiver for her younger brother. She also prepared supper for her father and four brothers while her mother worked as a nurse. Her youthful life was hard, but the simple lessons learned as “brother’s keeper” have abided with her in her active life as a senior citizen.

Today, she leads a group from her church near Georgetown that ministers to those with some form of mental illness at two nursing homes in Cynthiana. For many hours weekly, Linda talks and listens in encouragement, finds out individual personal needs and shops for them, and takes them to religious services at her church. In short, she sacrifices daily to strangers that others may largely ignore. No one makes Linda do such acts. Her ongoing compassion continues.

Linda is building a legacy, though I suspect that is the farthest thing from her mind. She lives in the now, meeting needs. Will others follow her lead? I believe that many will follow her calling because of her example.

Who might lose one’s life and gain it? Corporal Matthew Bradford can. The Marine took his love of country to Iraq in a war; he came back with no eyesight and two less legs. He became the first blind, double amputee in Marine history to be allowed to reenlist. His mantra as he moves on successfully through college with the support of a loving wife and three kids is: “No eyes, no legs, no problems.” Matthew has set the bar high for overcoming obstacles. Can anybody top that legacy of determination?

Teresa Oechsli grew up in an abusive, dysfunctional home. Today, she helps provide a safe haven for those experiencing the same. She knows the pain involved and wishes it on no one. People served so kindly by Teresa will remember her with deep appreciation. She’s used her pain for others’ gain—a legacy of compassion for sure.

Mary Lynn Collins, in her retirement years, is a fierce and unpaid advocate for Kentucky’s libraries. She knows that a well-read and educated populace will give the Commonwealth its best chance for a bright future. To reach that goal, it will take servant leadership. Mary Lynn leads the charge, and she hopes for more recruits to follow.

In Kentucky’s Everyday Heroes #4, the tradition of shining light on the state’s diverse cache of remarkable, often unsung people continues in full force. Of those remarkable ones, we are second to none nationally.

Hope you will appreciate the stories, and I hope they will play a part in shaping your legacy.

Northern Kentucky native Steve Flairty is a teacher, public speaker and an author of six books: a biography of Kentucky Afield host Tim Farmer and five in the Kentucky’s Everyday Heroes series, including a kids’ version. His new book, “Kentucky’s Everyday Heroes #4,” has recently been released and is available for purchase. Steve is a senior correspondent for Kentucky Monthly, as well as a weekly KyForward and NKyTribune columnist and a member of the Kentucky Humanities Council Speakers Bureau. Read his past columns for excerpts from all his books. him at sflairty2001@yahoo.com or friend him on Facebook. (Steve’s photo by Connie McDonald)