This whole Caitlyn Jenner story has everybody talking. Some people are supportive, some people are unsupportive and others are downright angry and hateful. The thing that bugged me most about it is how people went on social media and bashed other people for calling her a hero. People were posting her picture next to a photo of a soldier in uniform saying how can we call Caitlyn Jenner a hero, this soldier is a hero? I agree that soldier is a hero, but so is Caitlyn — just in a different way.

We need to remember that there are all kinds of people who are heroes for different reasons. I’m involved in animal rescue. I always say “be a hero, rescue a pet who needs a home”.  I say that because when you take an animal in and give it love and respect you are a hero to that animal! You are that animals’ soldier. You have given it another chance and you have made its life better. Caitlyn Jenner is a soldier for those who struggle with sexuality or gender identity — by coming out and being visible and vocal she shows others who are struggling that they are not alone. Some people may feel so isolated and sad that they contemplate suicide or even commit suicide because they see no other way.

Caitlyn Jenner and all of us who proudly stand in our truth are heroes to those who want to but are scared. We show them it’s okay and it will get better! So, yes, soldiers are heroes, but that doesn’t mean they are the only heroes — even you can be a hero to someone. Let’s not say the word hero is “thrown around too much”, let’s just all live up to the word and try our best to be someone’s hero!

Have you ever “Googled” yourself?  Out of curiosity, I recently did to see what images of myself are online.  I was so annoyed with what I saw!  The internet is filled with pictures of me sticking my tongue out — they are everywhere!  Who am I, Miley Cyrus?  Obviously I’m to blame because I’m the one sticking my tongue out, but I hate it!

Why do those pictures even exist?  I’ll tell you.  One day, many years ago I was having a conversation with friends/coworkers about their strange body oddities.  Everyone seemed to have something to share; here is part of that list of oddities:
– 30 years old and still has a baby tooth
– extremely stretchy cheeks
– double-jointed
– can turn eyelids inside out
– can put both legs behind head
– has a third nipple
– had part of an unborn twin removed from her lung because it was causing breathing problems

I’m always one to participate so I said “I have a really long tongue” — and the rest is history.  People want to take pictures of it and with it. What started out as a silly parlor trick from years ago has become the thing that pops up when you google me!  I’ve done television shows, I have my own radio show, I volunteer for animal rescues, but what appears on a google search?  My tongue!  These days I am regularly told “I heard about your tongue, can I see it? Can I take a picture with it?”  I’ve taken pics like this with other people in the past, how can I say no now?  I feel like I’m obligated, even though I know that I’m not.

I think it’s time for the tongue to cash out the 401k, start collecting social security and maybe start playing golf.  What I’m trying to say is that maybe the tongue is ready for retirement.  I’m just talking professionally of course, personally my tongue isn’t ready for the old rocking chair just yet!  And by the way, please don’t google me after reading this.  I’ll just tell you that YES, it’s longer than Gene Simmons from KISS!