In Search of Heroes

   Most of us had a hero or heroine growing up. There was someone out there we believed could do anything and do it well. Maybe it was a family member or friend. Maybe it was someone we watched on television, in movies or heard on the radio. Maybe our hero was someone who is no longer living on earth but we loved what they represented. Whatever the details are or were the fact is we all had a hero or heroine. Whomever this person was we were sure they could take on anything. Webster defines heroic as "involving recourse to boldness, daring or extreme measures." Wow, heroes are bold and daring? You think? Every hero is similar because of what they DO! So, I believe that begs the question: What is a true hero? We are about to find out.

   Watching some of the stories of 9-11 might make you rethink your heroic definition. It has for me. Maybe this time of the year makes me think more about heroes because of the great tragedy that occurred and the people who traded a continuation of life's precious breaths for courage. Tragedies have a way sometimes of uncovering them. Imagine if we did not wait for tragedies and just lived with a heroic purpose. That would be remarkable. There are heroic people living today. Some are living their lives like a hero even though they could care less about what people think. I like that trait. It is not arrogance but rather humility. Heroes see needs and problems and sprint into action. They despise injustice. They want to pour something into other people. They believe their purpose on this earth is far greater than amassing wealth and material things. Now that is heroic. And so were these guys.

   Do the names Pablo Ortiz and Frank De Martini ring a bell? Unless you were friends with them or were related you probably have not heard of them. I had not heard of them before. That was until I watched a program last weekend about their heroic efforts on the 88th floor of the North Tower on that fateful day, September 11, 2001. They were two ordinary guys who lived like heroes. I would say extraordinary. Both worked for the Port Authority of New York. They had mercy and compassion for their fellow tower-mates trying to survive a horror. They had life and gave up their last breath so many others could continue on. Talk about the ultimate sacrifice! You probably would never see them on the cover of GQ or Men's Health. Their lives were defined by something greater than looks or popularity. It was about the dash. This way of life does not care about outward or physical appearances. They gave up their lives so 77 other people could live. Were they true heroes? You bet they were! Sounds like a great idea for a magazine. I am on it!

   There were many heroes on that day ten years ago. I am sure there were many we may never hear about. This world needs more "Franks" and "Pablos." Earlier in this post I asked the question: "What is a true hero?" My take is simple. Heroes have no idea they are one. A hero is someone who gives up something. Maybe they give up their time or their energy. Maybe they give up their life. Maybe they sell all of their possessions and use their money to help a cause. Heroes give what they have. They do not just give give from their excess. They sacrifice something and don't live life like a bystander.  Money, fame and greed have contributed to the downward spiral of a lot of spotlight "heroes." Glory hounds are everywhere. We are a narcissistic culture. Am I wrong here? I don't think so. Who are the true heroes who live among us? They are not hard to find. We just need to know where to look.

   We need to be careful who we put on pedestals these days and anoint as heroes. Most heroes are not in the spotlight or at least do not crave it. They are people who start a non-profit to help reduce hunger or domestic violence. They are people who teach, protect and/or serve others. Look around your neighborhoods, ball-fields, classrooms, community centers, gyms, convenience stores--they are everywhere. They are brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents, friends, colleagues, husbands and wives. They are people who leave behind their families and friends for a cause or mission somewhere around the world. Maybe their cause is right in front of them.  Our schools, churches and non-profit organizations need them. Doctor and dentist offices need them. Corporate America and government need them. Law offices and banks need them. Inner cities and rural areas need them. Poor countries need them. Drug addicts and prostitutes need them. You get the point? Everyone needs a hero. We need to find them. Are you one? Remember, it's about the dash.