I spent an hour with two Hidden Heroes and their children last Saturday morning. As most of you know, I define Hidden Heroes as ordinary people who do small things that any other ordinary person could do, things that make a difference either in their own lives or the lives of people around them. Truth is I don’t consider today’s Hidden Heroes “ordinary” but I’m sure that’s the way they see themselves so I’ll say they qualify.

Delphine and Frank Charmley have one birth child, their oldest son, now 33, and nine adopted children all of whom have special needs of one kind or another. Eight of these children, ranging in age from 9 months to 18 years, are still living at home and, they tell me the door is still open for more kids and I believe them. Oh, and then there are the 60 or so children they fostered during the 70s and 80s.

By the way did I mention that all but one of the kids are being home-schooled? And when they are not studying, they are involved in camping, speed skating, scrimmage hockey, hip hop dancing, ballet, gymnastics, swimming, and Brownies among other activities. It’s a busy household.

A few years ago, the now 18 year old decided that studying would be less demanding in high school than at home. Since making the move, he has consistently been on the honour role and plans on going to college next year.

I’m sure most ordinary couples could do what Delpine and Frank are doing if: they each had the patience of a saint; if they had the energy of the Ever-Reddy Bunny; if they had an absolute unconditional love of all children; and if they each made a 100% commitment to supporting the other 110% of the time. By the way the 110% commitment includes 1, 3 and 5 am wake ups when their two year old diabetic son needs to be tested.

As part of their total commitment to each other and their kids, Frank, a self-employed electrician, tells his potential customers that if they need an absolute time commitment, they should get another electrician because if he’s needed at home, that’s where he is going to be.

Let me describe the family. They’ve had the baby, now 9 months old, since she was 8 weeks. She grabbed my finger as soon as we met and dazzled me with a smile that lit up the room – It also lit up my heart.

The next oldest is the 2 year old diabetic who, like the baby, has the most amazing smile that is made even more engaging by his sparkling blue eyes and curly blond hair. He helps click the needle every time he needs to give a little blood to be tested.

Then there is the 2 1/2 year old loveable but energetic, I mean REALLY energetic, boy. Most adults I know would have to take a week long recuperative holiday after just one day with this boy but Delphine and Frank take him in stride and love it.

The 8 and 9 year old girls are first cousins. The 9 year old loves taking care of the baby and the 7 year old was busy putting the finishing touches on the Christmas tree while I was there. The 14 and 16 year old boys, biological brothers along with the 18 year old, are enthusiastic sports fans (Go Clippers, Canuks and Flames!).

If you would like to see this family in action, check out the Hidden Heroes feature on Shaw Channel 4’s The Daily beginning at 6 pm this evening. It will repeat every hour after that until 6 pm Thursday as well as from 6 pm Saturday to 6 pm Monday.