Heroes

I know a man that lost it all.  With three small kids and a wife to provide for. Wasn't his fault. But bad decisions were made. And they came and took everything. But this guy? He didn't stay down. He pressed on and pushed through. He found a way to provide for his family, sent all four of his kids to college with no loans or scholarships. When he retired last year, he did so very comfortably. Easily one of the most successful businessmen around.  He's my hero.

I know a woman that stood by this man. Through thick and thin. She loved him and encouraged him. She prayed for him. She raised his children in a loving, laughter-filled home, in spite of any outside circumstances. She has an astounding faith. Nothing dissuades her.  She is my hero.

I know a guy that didn't have a lot growing up.  In many ways he was abandoned and left to his own devices, at a fairly young age, mind you.  He could have ended up on the streets.  In drugs or gangs or even worse. But he didn't.  He pulled is own self up by his bootstraps.  Put himself through school. Became a law-enforcement officer that cleans up the streets.  He is a loving husband and father.  He is my hero.

I know a girl that took on this guy.  She didn't have to.  She had other options.  But she chose him. Chose to love him and honor him and cherish him, above anyone else.  Despite his gruff exterior, she is his peace.  In many ways she saved his life. She is kind, and funny, and beautiful. She is my hero.

I know a guy who thought he'd never find love.  Felt that he was destined to live life alone, without a partner, without a wife.  He could have been very harsh and abrasive.  He could have been depressing to be around.  But he wasn't. He stayed happy and joyful. He loved and served others. And then one day... that girl came along. This girl needed him. She'd been through a lot.  She needed to see what unconditional love looks like. And she did. And does. This guy will marry this girl in May.  He is my hero.

I know a girl who went through something too gruesome to mention, at too early an age. In fact, I know three of these girls. They all rose above. Chose not to be victims. One is willful and determined as the day is long, but has the biggest heart, and is one of the best school teachers I know. Another, by her own rights, is a successful businesswoman who seems to have a Midas touch in every endeavor she takes on. The last is a mother, Bible Teacher, and amazing friend.  They are all beautiful, strong, Steel Magnolias.  They are my heroes.

I know a guy that loves a girl much like the ones I described in the previous passage. This girl came with  a LOT of baggage. And he knew it all from the start.  But he chose her anyway.  He got down on his knee at the water's edge, and asked her to share his life and his name. He took on all of her baggage just as if it were his own.  He loves her like no other, and never waivers or falters in that love. Never. Ever.  Just as he rode up on his white horse and rescued her 20 years ago, he still rescues her today. He is the most amazing and beautiful man I know.  He is my hero.

The thing about a hero, is even when it doesn't look like there's a light at the end of the tunnel, he's going to keep digging, he's going to keep trying to do right and make up for what's gone before, just because that's who he is.

~ Joss Whedon