Heroes...

Webster's Dictionary defines hero as "one who shows great courage."  I agree with that, to a point.  Is a hero someone who has the 'courage' to go bridge jumping?  Is a hero someone who has the 'courage' to make a decision they know will not be looked upon as a good decision?  I think that is more being brave than being a hero.  A hero is someone who goes above and beyond to make those around him or her better.  Someone who does this instinctively and does not ask for reward.

  

A hero to me is someone like a mother.  A mother who gets up early to make her family breakfast, who endures the pains of birth, who has unconditional love for her children.  A hero to me is someone like a father.  A father who goes out into the world everyday to provide for his family.  Who has to live in another city so that his family can have a roof over their head in a different city.  Who still loves his teenage son even when it's hard to.  

My Mother and Father are my heroes.  They both love me unconditionally, even when I make decisions they are unhappy with.  My Mother still loved me when I reenlisted knowing I would be deployed again.  My Father still loved me when we had a "heart-to-heart" at a Chinese Food restaurant in Nampa Idaho, even though what he was hearing was not what he wanted to hear.  Both my parents have endured many pains at my hands and I will never be able to repay them.  

I'm positive a lot of you see your parents as heroes as well.  But, who are your other heroes?  Who, in the world, have you been inspired by?  Who, when you hear their name, instantly gives you goose bumps?  Who did you look up to when you were young?  Michael Jordan?  Lance Armstrong?  Superman?  What about an ordinary NFL player? 

In 2001, Pat Tillman was a couple years into an NFL contract with the Arizona Cardinals and was up for negotiation of a new contract.  On September 11th, he was shocked much like the rest of our country.  It was then that he made a decision that most thought was the wrong decision.  He gave up everything to join the U.S. Army Rangers.  Why would he do that?  Why give up millions of dollars to make less than 2,000 a month as a private?  Duty, honor, respect, selfless service, integrity, loyalty, personal courage.  7 qualities you must have to be in the United States Army.  Pat had those qualities before he joined.  That's why it was the right decision.

As part of the Rangers, Pat served in Iraq and Afghanistan till he was killed by friendly fire.  It's the ultimate tragedy to me.  A person giving up everything he's ever known to fight for his country.  I've read 2 books about Pat, Where Men Win Glory by John Krakauer and Boots On The Ground by Mary Tillman, Pat's mother.  If you get the chance, I highly recommend reading both of these books.  They are both an in-depth look at Pat.  His character and drive amaze me every time I read about him or even think of him.  

Garth Brooks wrote a song that I think describes Pat Tillman perfectly called The Change

One hand reaches out and pulls a lost soul from harm,

While a thousand more, go unspoken for. 

And they say what good have you done?  By saving just this one?

It's like whispering a prayer in the furry of a storm.

I hear them saying, you'll never change things.  

And no matter what you do its still the same thing.

But its not the world that I am changing, I do this so this world will know that it will not change me.

This heart still believes that love and mercy still exist.

While all the hatreds rage, and so many say that love is all but pointless, and madness such as this.

Its like trying to stop a fire with the moisture from a kiss.

I hear them saying, you'll never change things.

And no matter what you do its still the same thing.

But its not the world that I am changing, I do this so this world will know that it will not change me.

As long as one heart still holds on than hope is never really gone.

I hear them saying, you'll never change things.

And no matter what you do its still the same thing.

But its not the world that I am changing, I do this so this world we know never changes me.

What I do is so this world will know that it will not change me.

Pat Tillman, you are my hero.  Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice so I can be free.  It was you that motivated me to join the Army and serve my country.