My Leaping Heart: May 2014

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Superhero Sunday

Superman Billy with my grandson, Xander

I have declared it "Superhero Sunday." Yesterday one of my friends posted this picture of my grandson being carried away by "Superman" at his Auntie's wedding last April and the thought that crossed my mind was how wonderful it would be if every child had a superhero in their life. And today, Google is honoring Audrey Hepburn and her many accomplishements in life on what would have been her 85th birthday (born the same year as my own superhero, Richard Wyant).

Of course, Audrey Hepburn is remembered for her talent on Broadway and in films as well as for her unique beauty but she was also a superhero to so many children. She dreamed of becoming a prima ballerina, survived World War II and helped the resistence by carrying messages in her ballet shoes.

During Holland's notorious "Hunger Winter" in the fall of 1945, she experienced real hunger and she carried that memory forward as she accepted what she considered her greatest role as a UNICEF International Goodwill Ambassador.

For five years, she traveled to over 20 countries as a witness and advocate for children who were struggling to survive.

Today, her dedication to bringing help and hope to children around the world continues through the work of her foundation, the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund.

The Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund

Audrey began her artistic career in the role of an airline stewardess and ended it by playing an angel in 1989 which seems very appropriate when considering the big picture of her life. She has been described as humble, unassuming, charming, gracious, dignified, but perhaps above all, kind - something that seems to be missing in so much of our world today. Perhaps she used her voice best when speaking for those who otherwise had no voice.

"I feel so strongly that's where it all starts, with kindness.

What a different world this could be if everyone lived by that."

"I have been given the privilege of speaking for children who cannot speak for themselves,

and my task is an easy one, because children have no political enemies.

To save a child is a blessing: to save a million is a God-given opportunity."

~ Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993) - wise, wise words

On a lighter note and in the spirit of fun . . .what woman today doesn't owe Audrey a word of thanks for giving us "the little black dress." We always have something appropriate in our closet thanks to Audrey and the black Givenchy dress she made famous in 1962.

The little black dress (aka LBD) is cited as one of the most iconic items of clothing in the history of the twentieth century. Reserved for mourning in the 1920's, changed at the will of Coco Chanel, and declared elegant and classic by Audrey in the 60's, there's now one for every occasion. I must own 20 of them and I just keep buying them!