While the word Hero means various things to many people, I
believe it is safe to say that when one sees the word, it resonates within us
and inspires hope. I have seen (as we
all have) many headlines with HOPE plastered in the forefront to grab our attention
and insight curiosity.
I think many of us would feel honored to have someone refer
to us as a hero. What is a hero? Someone who: saves lives, takes risks, fights
for freedom/justice, battles a terminal illness, teaching/working in an
impoverished area, the list goes on. But
what about the simple everyday tasks like: loving those around you, working
everyday to support your family, volunteering, caring for someone with an
illness, being present for your family/children, taking your mother/father out
to eat, smiling, etc...
I had the privilege of having my youngest son & mother
refer to me as a hero. At first I blew
it off thinking, "they are putting a lot on it" but then I stopped
and wondered why they called me a hero so I inquired and here is what was
said. My youngest son told me he had a
project in school for Black History month where they were to write who was one
of their African-American heroes and why.
He said he chose me because, "I provide for the family, play with
him, take him to basketball and drum lessons and take him on
vacations". I was blown away that
this 10 year old child had the presence of mind to consider all of these heroic
acts. My initial inclination was to
dismiss his assessment for clearly he did not understand what being a hero
meant. That could not be because in my
household we have discussed many "heroes" of many nationalities. On top of that I rattled off some prominent
African American names and asked why did he not choose someone like that. His answer, "I thought about it dad -
but you are my hero". I was truly
and still am humbled by this.
So when my mother called me and my brother her heroes I
understood because my mother is one of mine for all that she has endured and
overcome to ensure my brother and I had the best chance at 'decent' quality of
life. She worked VERY hard to make us as
well rounded as she could raising us on her own in an economically depressed
town.
My definition of hero is now broader because the simple
consistent acts require strength, will, bravery, integrity and sacrifice - many
of the characteristics found in what society deems a "hero".
Who is your hero? Whose hero are you?
Blessings,
-d
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