Who's Your Hero?

One of those strange newspaper stories told of a 19-year-old woman who had been charged in Los Angeles with two counts of trespassing - after sneaking into the home of actor Brad Pitt and trying on his clothes. I suppose we have different ways of adoring our heroes....

But who are our real heroes? I was given a little quiz recently. See how well you do:

• Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
• Name five Olympic gold medalists.
• Name the last five winners of your national beauty contest.
• Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
• Name the last half-dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
• Name the last decade’s national or world champions in your favorite sport.

These people, of course, are the best in their fields. But fame is fleeting and outstanding performance is too soon forgotten.

Now try another quiz:

• List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
• Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
• Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
• Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
• Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
• Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

If you found the second quiz easier, it may be because those people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the best degrees or pedigrees, nor are they the most honored or acclaimed. The people who make a difference are those who care. They may never have seen a battle; never scored a winning goal; never been featured in a magazine. But they have been busy helping you to be the best you can be.

Let’s remember and thank our real heroes. And don’t be surprised if someone thanks you.

-- Steve Goodier

Image: flickr.com/Shaun Wong