So who are the real heroes?
I wrote last week about Scott Carpenter passing away. I count him among my heroes along with all the other pioneers in space flight. The things that those men and women have done (and continue to do) in the face of extreme danger is astounding and I admire them greatly for it.
Along similar lines, the men and women of our American armed forces should be considered heroes. One of my few favorite television shows of the last few years focused on soldiers and sailors returning home to their families (Coming Home) and the stories of their service and love for their families were incredible. The children of these great people look up to them so much and it is clear how much they consider their parent a hero. We should consider ourselves lucky that these heroes serve our country and give up so much valuable time with their families to do so.
When it comes to service, our first responders deserve and enormous pat on the back and a huge thank you from all of us. We may balk when the police officer pulls us over for speeding, but we should be thankful that they are there, looking out for the well being of all of us. Fire fighters have a thankless job and along with ambulance crews, save many lives all over our country and the world on a daily basis. They may say that they are “just doing their job” but we all should be thankful that these heroes are around to help us in our time of need.
Last I come to family. I personally have many heroes within my own family. My loving wife Denise is a huge inspiration to me and I often look to her for strength to make it through the day. She never falters in being there to provide that strength and for that, she is my hero.
My parents and siblings are heroes too, always being there for me when I need them and helping in any way they can. Never has a time passed that I needed something from them and they have been absent.
Lastly, we come to possibly the three biggest heroes in my life, my children. I’ve written before about what an inspiration and influence my children are on me, but I feel like I have to reiterate it here. My first born, Jackson, was only with us for one short month, but in that time I saw spunk and attitude that I don’t think even I myself possess. He may not be here for me to hold any longer, but I hold him in my heart and think about him every day, using his memory to help push me through the hard times and that is why he is my hero.
Jackson’s little brother Joshua is everything that I imagined Jackson himself to be as he grew. He’s my little Dallas Cowboys fan (we cheer even if they’re not necessarily heroes) and is sharp as a tack. His passion about everything he does inspires me and is one of the many reasons that he is my hero.
Finally, the little princess of the bunch, Teagan. She has just as much spunk as Jackson and is just as smart as Joshua. She absolutely adores Joshua and looks up to him with such love and affection. She cares for her stuffed animals and her precious “binky” like a doting mother should and I know she is going to make a great mommy someday. That is why she is my hero.
All of my children inspire me so much and they bring so much meaning to my life on a daily basis. Find your heroes and hold them close. Make sure they are deserving of the title, and if you haven’t before, take the time to tell them so. You’ll find that they might be surprised when you tell them.