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The fact is, today's economy leaves much to be desired, let alone understood. It's not as good as it was five or 10 years ago. The cost of living is higher, everyone has had to adjust, realign and rethink his priorities. The dollar just doesn't go as far as it did before.

People living on fixed incomes are the hardest hit when the economy takes a nose dive. A record number of retirees, senior citizens in their golden years, have had to return to the workforce, making their golden years not quite so golden.

Those who can't work find themselves trying to cope and get through another day; sometimes it's a choice between buying prescriptions or food; how much more can they possibly cut and still survive? They've been through tough times before and know through past experience that better times will follow. They just try to keep the faith.

My column today is going to focus on a group of my unsung heroes -- you meet them every day, you just don't realize it. Chances are you may be one of them and don't even know it.

These men and women get up every morning, pull themselves up by their boot straps, put a smile on their faces and set out to meet the day's challenges. They come from all walks of life; they do what they do because it is all they know.

With one hand I salute them, with both hands I pray for them. They are the men and women raising children in this ever-changing, confusing, messed-up world.

The single mother working as a waitress at $6.15 an hour, hoping to make enough tips to keep the power bill paid and food on the table. The family in which both parents work just to provide the basics in life. I have met some in which one parent works two full-time jobs just to make ends meet, and health insurance is not an option -- they just can't afford it.

This also includes grandparents who should be saving for their retirement but are redirecting their personal goals and income to raise their grandchildren or assist their children with that task.

Life today is hard and it's taking its toll on everyone.

The current economic state of this nation has brought to reality the ever-increasing struggle these normal people go through on a daily basis. A few years ago they put away a few dollars a payday to take their children to Disneyland; now, if they are fortunate enough to have a few dollars left over, they save it for a rainy day.

When they lay their head down at night, they give thanks for making it through the day and extra gratitude that Johnny's cold is getting better and maybe a doctor visit can be avoided.

They are one small crisis away from total financial collapse.

They live on hopes and dreams. They know that history repeats itself and the economy will turn around. They have lived through recessions and tough times, or at a minimum heard stories of how their parents survived when the economy was bad.

They are proud people. They're not looking for a handout, but a hand up may be welcomed. They love their children and pray for the strength to overcome each and every obstacle that crosses their path. Their responsibility doesn't end with keeping their kids fed, clothed and sheltered.

Children don't come with instruction manuals and warranties. They come in all different kinds of packages. Parents first wish for a healthy baby -- that's not always what they get. They play the hand their dealt to the best of their ability.

As parents they know they can try to control the home environment -- it's the outside world they have to worry about. It's not as if the bad folks around have a yellow blinking caution light glued to their foreheads.

They have to teach their children right from wrong, when kids witness so many wrongs.

They have to teach morals in a somewhat immoral world.

They educate them about drugs, violence, sexual predators, Internet predators. The list of negatives in their environment goes on and on.

They wear their hearts on their sleeve; they want to protect their kids without creating fear and anxiety. What a freaking nightmare.

They feel their energy level drop daily. They will prevail; they will continue this pace for as long as necessary. They owe it to their children and feel it is their responsibility.

Hopefully, what they get in return is a happy, well-adjusted child and peace of mind, knowing they did the best they could with the hand they were dealt.

Again, with one hand I salute them, with both hands I pray for them. In my heart of hearts, they are American heroes.

They are raising and cultivating our future. They don't take their duties lightly.