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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

True Hero Story

With today being the anniversary of 9-11, it seems fitting to talk about heroes. But sometimes I think we confuse just who is a hero and who isn't. 

For example, does being able to throw a football the farthest, most accurate make a person a hero? You'd sure think so by those who worship them.

Does being able to dribble a basketball and sink a shot from half court make a person a hero? Again, you'd sure think so by the way people fawn all over those who can.

What about winning gold medals at the Olympics? Does getting put on a Wheaties box make a hero? Once again, it appears so.

I disagree. I don't think any of the above qualities make a hero. Just because a person has an athletic ability beyond the norm, nope, not a hero. 

Sunday however, I saw a real hero. In fact, I saw several.  You see, Sunday afternoon, our neighbor's house caught on fire. They were working on a motorcycle in their garage, there was a gas leak and the thing exploded. 

By the time we got outside, our next door neighbor had the woman out and was bringing her across the street. Another neighbor went in and got the man out, through the window. This was not a little fire either.  These people thought not of themselves, but others. They rushed into danger that could have taken their lives.

Not long after, the fire department showed up. More people faced danger to protect others. By this time, the whole garage, a motorhome, two trucks outside the garage and one inside were totally engulfed in flames.

There were no cheering crowds, no fans shouting their names. No one wore their names and numbers on t-shirts.  These men did their jobs then packed up their gear and returned to wait the next call for help.

I believe those who serve in the military to be heroes also. These men and women have agreed to lay down their lives to protect the rights and freedoms we take for granted.

And what about the police? Sure, it's annoying when they stop us for speeding or whatever but when push comes to shove, we want them there to protect us from those that would do us harm.

These are true heroes. Fire fighters, police officers, military personnel and the guy next door. 

Today, I say thanks.  Thanks for your service. Thanks for your sacrifice. Thanks for doing your job. And, thanks for being the kind of neighbor we all want to have.

3 comments:

Evelyn M. Byrne said...

Well said.

Unknown said...

Had a similar experience some months back when lightning caused total destruction of a neighbor's house. I could not help but admire and applaud these volunteers from surrounding communities that were there at three in the morning, helping to contain the damage.

Anonymous said...

I heard a couple of guys talking about this in the New York subway so I looked it up online and found your page. Thanks. I thought I was right and you confirmed my thoughts. Thanks for the work you've put into this. I'd love to save this and share with my friends.