What is a "Hero"?

The other day, I was at a Toastmaster meeting where the table topic question was “who is your hero and why?” That got me thinking about what “Hero” means. When you’re a kid, it’s easy—you look up to a lot of people. Mostly because you’re shorter than everyone else. Being a kid also gives you a lot of time to think about what you want to do, or who you want to be when you grow up.

When I was a kid, I had people I looked up to. My Great-Grandpa Attilio Gibertini, in particular, was someone who was a non-stop example to me of who I should be. He was cheerful, happy, and full of love—always.  When Grandma passed, he was cheerful  for her—being out of pain, and for a new adventure for him. He lived to be 10 days shy of 100. 

The most important thing he taught me was that I could be who I wanted to be, now.  He created an example for me to follow, if I chose to, but I had to choose to, and actively pursue this idea of who I wanted to be. He was a hero, but he didn’t have a fancy job title (“tailor”) or a ton of money.  He was happy, and happiness poured from every pore in his body.

Everyone has greatness in them.  Anyone can be a hero, if they choose to.

I am reminded of that ideal as I read in the Tribune about a dear friend of mine , Dave Johns (read about it here).  He risked his life  to try to save two kids—both under 3 yrs old—from a burning apartment.  He went in twice, and did everything he could with incredibly little regard for himself to try to save these kids.  Tragically, he was unsuccessful. The fact that he charged in there to do everything he could makes him a hero.  It also makes him a role model.  If you were faced with the same challenge, what would you do? 

I was reminded of that every time a new person emailed me or called me and asked how they could help with the Cub Scout Pack's popcorn issue.  So many people came out to help ().  I still can't believe how many people came out to help.  While popcorn inventory still keeps me from being able to park in my garage, the money we needed to cover the costs has been graciously donated.  

We all have a chance still to be who we wanted to be when we grew up.  It doesn't live in a title, but in your spirit.  You can be a hero today—to a kid, or a friend, or the person at the grocery store. People need heroes, and they're looking for you. 

Who are your heroes?  How have they inspired you?  Let me know!