By Audrey Sillett Lintner
Psst. C’mere. I’ve got a confession to make. I don’t
actually have a hero.
It’s true. While other kids were making pillowcase capes and
construction paper firefighter helmets, I was scratching my head and wondering
if I had some sort of Vitamin H deficiency.
Don’t get me wrong; there are lots of people that I admire. Ira
Hayes and his service brethren, united forever in a single iconic image. John
Lennon and Paul McCartney, who distilled the feelings of an entire generation
into perfectly crafted lyrics. Jonas Salk, developer of a vaccine that saved
untold numbers of lives and livelihoods. I deeply admire all of them, and many
others. But heroes?
I don’t know.
Maybe the current cult of celebrity hero-worship has me
shying away from the term hero. Or
maybe I just have a different definition than the media would put forth.
I know who I would like
to view as a hero.
Me.
One of the definitions of hero is “one who is regarded as a model or ideal”. Wouldn’t that be
an amazing way to start your day? Seeing the personification of an ideal
looking back at you from the mirror? Not in a needing-to-be-worshiped kind of
way, but in a quiet and heart-centered way, knowing that you have given and
will continue to give your best to every effort.
In spite of naysayers, like my friend who is fighting for
prosthetic parity. In spite of physical, mental, or emotional difficulties,
like the beautiful special needs children and adults that I meet. In spite of
all odds, like my sister who not only finds her own footing, but pulls up
others that fall.
Maybe I do have heroes after all.
Audrey, I love your idea of being a hero yourself! And your definition for it...all we can do is do the best with what we are given! But being a model for yourself is definitely something to strive for!
ReplyDeleteI know that the people I regard as heroes tend to be the quiet, understated people who believe firmly, walk gently, and live their lives consciously, teaching by example as much as by words. I think your idea of striving to be a hero for yourself is wonderful. Food for thought for teaching my children today.
ReplyDeleteYourself as a hero now that is something I will need to ponder today. Thank you for sharing the hero in you!
ReplyDeleteHeroes for me are a rare breed who do ordinary, decent acts and weave them into their everyday lives. They are quietly living their beliefs and are conscious of what they are doing. There is no end goal other than to be true to themselves.
ReplyDeleteYou continually surprise me pleasantly, Audrey. I appreciate you. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI remember a college class about American heroes in literature - the only one we can claim as unique to this country is the cowboy! I'm hard-pressed to come up with a modern hero. Certainly I admire many people and many actions. But true heroes are few, and all dead... and one imaginary. Thanks for an interesting post, Audrey!
ReplyDeleteThanks, all. This was an interesting challenge, but one that definitely deserves some reflection. So many other questions pop up from this topic. How does your view of a hero differ from your child's? Would you ever suggest a hero for someone?
ReplyDeleteTerrific post. I agree that the word hero is bandied about much too often. I think people have forgotten just what the word means. I wonder every time I see a news report about another soldier who died in combat and he or she is called a hero. They become heroes because they died? Granted, we need to honor them for the sacrifice they made, but I always feel uncomfortable calling them heroes.
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate that you clarified that a hero is not always someone to be worshiped.
We have celebrated heroes, like the first men to walk on the moon. Personally, I think it probably took a lot of bravery to agree to do that. There are also the unsung heroes, the everyday people that don't even get noticed. My mother was one, but I didn't consider her as a hero until I was older and able to see her through adult eyes.
ReplyDeleteI admire the sentiment, Audrey. I can't think of any heroes in my life. That term just sets people up for other people's disappointment. There are certainly people I admire, though, realizing perfectly well that even the best of us have flaws.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, Audrey, yes, to be ones own hero is an important insight. My hero's are Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, my foster parents and people like Rana Diorio who dare to speak the truth despite all odds. And now, maybe you, for speaking your truth. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOur first heroes are typically our parents. That always serves as a reminder to me that my kids are watching! Thanks for a thought provoking blog!
ReplyDelete