“Not the glittering weapon fights the fight, but rather the hero's heart.”

proverb

I know a hero. Rather, I know several. I am proud to be a part of their lives, as tertiary as it may be in some cases. I am proud of their heart. The hero gives hope to the world.

One is my daughter. Many years ago an event occurred in my ex wife's life that could have extinguished her flame from this existence. Without unnecessary details, our daughter, her daughter... my daughter, saved her life.

Another, a friend stepped out of her norm to rescue someone from a dangerous, potentially life threatening situation. She took a chance and made a difference.

And another, being the beautiful person she is, showed caring. A simple voice of compassion that pulled another from the precipice of a cliff.

A hero knows when to act and how. It cannot be practiced or rehearsed. It is spontaneous, a reflex originating from ones' soul. Many choose to ignore or suppress this reflex. My daughter did not.

A hero is willing to exit from their norm and venture into unknown territory. This path may be uncertain and the road slippery and rocky and full of pot-holes. They press on. Flinching perhaps, but not deviating from the path to their goal.

A hero is compassionate. Sending a simple correspondence, or enjoying a five minute phone call. Many times, saying the words, “Hi, I just thought I would call,” can literally mean more than life itself. One should never minimize the power of simple kindness.

For these, and a million more reasons, I am proud to know these wonderful people.