Justus Jacobs at State Farm Insurance believes there’s a hero in everyone.
Together, let’s highlight Fremont County’s “Everyday Heroes”.
The hope is to inspire others and create a domino effect of kindness in our communities.
The Everyday Hero, is the person who smiles at you on an off day… The Everyday Hero is within every single human being on this planet and is expressed by simple, ordinary actions. It could be your loved one or a complete stranger who somehow made someone’s life a little better by a simple act of kindness. We all have a hero inside of us. It’s what we do and how we love. It’s simply reaching out and lending a helping hand to anyone in need.
Our next #everydayhero is Michelle Motherway. An anonymous person nominated Michelle and had this to say, “I nominate Michelle for supporting all the local nonprofits, for supporting community events, for hosting Light Up Lander, & for feeding emergency response teams when tragedy hits.”
Michelle is in the people business and sells groceries and Lularoe clothing. She has been a crisis counselor/paramedic/Nurse/Photographer/wanderer and lives to help others in all phases of life. Michelle ended up back in Lander so she could spend time with family and work in the family business.
County 10 asked the important questions.
1. What have you learned about yourself when helping others?
A lot of the time helping others does more for me than for them, It brings me great joy. I have learned how blessed I am to have an amazing support system of friends/family and community.
2. Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of? Why?
I think Responding to Hurricane Katrina, rescuing and assisting with the recovery efforts. I have never been so tired and so thankful that I was safe and could help. To witness the tragedy and the outpouring of help and support was so humbling.
When something so big that affects so many people in such a traumatic manner it was good to be a part of the rescue response. I would hope someone in the world would come to repay that for me and my community if needed. In times of crisis people helping people is what changes the world/situation.
3. Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you?
One day a young mother in the grocery store and was struggling with her children (they were giving her a run for her money) She looked down on her luck and I could tell they were walking on a very cold day. I found her counting her money and tallying up her few items in the aisle, I handed her a gift card with some extra money on it to help. I told her I could see she was trying to do a good job and that I could see it was hard. She was so thankful! I love a spontaneous random act of kindness, see a need and help!!
4. What inspires you?
People who think bigger than themselves and people who are willing to give even when it’s the hard thing to do.
5. What are some of the biggest challenges you face every day?
In business, reminding people to support local businesses so we can all survive the corporate giants. Personally, battling chronic illness.
6. What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?
Finish what you start even if you are not going to win. Be the light on the hill!
7. Who influences your story every day?
Parents who have taught me to care for others, give without needing to recondition and to work hard.
8. How would you like to be remembered?
As a woman of my word and someone who is tough but fair and giving.
9. Are there any funny stories your family tells about you that come to mind?
When I was very little I came to my parents late at night and said with tears “I am so sorry, I will never do it again”… they to this day have no idea what “it” was.
10. If someone wrote a biography about you, what would the title be?
“Nothing good happens after midnight” or “Shut up, I’m trying to help”
11. What’s your passion project these days?
I just finished with Light up Lander, I am on the board of Wyoming Pug Rescue, I believe that suicide is 100% preventable and I am looking forward to trying my hand at a podcast soon.
12. Tell us something fun about yourself!
I always have dog hair on my shirt and sunflower seeds on the floor of my truck (drives my dad crazy).
13. A little something extra…
I believe this world is a better place when we work together and give hand-ups…not handouts. If we all try and help each other be better by solving problems, not making the same mistakes over and over expecting the different results in life and in business, we will be stronger. When we see a need and we do or say something to help, it could improve or even save a life!
Thank you, Michelle, for all you do!
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make Fremont County a better place? Let us know!
If you have someone you would like to nominate for #everydayheroes, fill out the form here.
