When we speak of heroic actions, we usually think of military personnel, police, or firefighters. They are certainly deserving of the title because they willingly place their lives on the line for friends, family, and country, and I would never attempt to diminish their activities, but what about all the other people who think first of others?
Perhaps there are more everyday heroes living quiet lives than all the military, police, and firefighters.
When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, thousands of people rushed there with donations of food, water, clothing, and willing hands to help in any way they could. They are heroes.
What about the mother in the throes of childbirth who tells the doctor, save the baby first, knowing that she may be forfeiting her life for the life of her child? Isn’t that a heroic act, too?
Although we seldom hear the term “old maid” used today, how many children have devoted their lives to caring for elderly or sick parents, thereby foregoing their own aspirations? This is another selfless act of heroism which often goes unobserved and, perhaps, unappreciated by some.
Heroism is around us in our daily lives. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, we do not see such things unless they are pointed out to us.
There are people in every community who donate their time and energy to teaching small children the art of sportsmanship and teamwork while they learn to play ball. In my opinion, they are heroes too.
At times, there is one person like a young mother in a nearby town who was escorting eleven children while trick-or-treating. Some fool who was driving too fast was heading for the children when the mother pushed them out of harm’s way. She died while the driver sped off.
Heroism is not necessarily defined as giving your life for another, but should be defined as giving of yourself to others. Mothers and dads are heroes every day as they work to care for their children.
It may not be a perfect world, but I think it is better than some people think. That is what I shall be grateful for on Thanksgiving Day. Better yet, I shall be grateful for all these people every day.
