Inspiration from Christopher Reeve: What is a Hero?
August 9, 2009
This is a passage from the book, Still Me
***
When the first Superman movie came out I was frequently asked, “What is a hero?”
I remember the glib response I repeated so many times. My answer was that a hero is someone who commits a courageous action without considering the consequences–a soldier who crawls out of a foxhole to drag an injured buddy to safety. And I also meant individuals who are slightly larger than life: Houdini and Lindbergh, John Wayne, JFK, and Joe DiMaggio. Now my definition is completely different. I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles: a fifteen-year-old boy who landed on his head while wrestling with his brother, leaving him barely able to swallow or speak; Travis Roy, paralyzed in the first thirty seconds of a hockey game in his freshman year at college. These are real heroes, and so are the families and friends who have stood by them.
***
I would like to dedicate THIS Inspiration Sunday to my dear friends, Lori and Jay, who are my real heroes. These two always find strength in spite of their very real challenges. I don’t know how they do it… I think they are made of magical stuff. What about YOU? Do you have any real heroes in your life? Tell us about someone who inspires you to be a better person. (Photo Credit)
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Lisis,
What a beautiful dedication to Lori and Jay – two completely wonderful people in my book!
And Christopher Reeve, wow, he fought through so much, and was a real inspiration as well.
In my own personal life, there is someone I’ve met in the past year who I have the greatest respect for – and someone who inspires me in so many ways. The church we belong to has spent the last several years as a teaching church, bringing in a student each year to spend one year with us – learning in a “real life” congregation. And the young lady we’ve had this year has been a complete joy, and someone I’ve connected with very deeply. Today we say good bye to her, as she now goes back to school. And that will be difficult, but it’s also so good to know she’s going out and sharing her amazing gifts with the world! So, I’m inspired by her real ability to connect with others on such a personal level, and where everyone feels important. Such a wonderful gift to see.
Thanks so much, Lisis, for this. It’s reminding me of what really matters in life…
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Lisis, what a love post!
To me heroes are the ordinary people who do the extraordinary. Anyone who inspires can be a hero. Those can be regular people who despite their mundane jobs or limitations go the extra mile and make the world a better place for the rest of us.
Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s last blog ..Paying the Price to Get Out
Hi Lisis,
I remember when i heard about Christopher Reeve and his tragic days…i was a little upset. Well because he was such a superhero from my childhood….we used to be hooked on to superman…ask my husband the whole history..he’s geeky like that…;)
But as i grew up, life taught me to see heroes in every body. In every person i meet i try to see only the good…in doing so i have met people who have been able to share their life stories with me..and surprisingly each and everyone has been a hero atleast once in their lives…its amazing how we all have a hero with in us. We should be too modest to flaunt it though;)
But today to me you are the hero to take this big beautiful step in your life….Hoping youre having a great time on the road.
Waiting for pictures.
Lots of love
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Inspirational Quote Of the Week
LOL, you give me far too much credit, but thank you. I’m no hero. I just do whatever it takes; whatever is necessary. True heroes follow their hearts, and they do things that scare them silly. Things like quitting their jobs without a plan B and going on cross-country road trips. Things like teaching their son that it’s more important to chase happiness than security. People who are scared silly, but saddle up anyway (As John Wayne put it). People who take a leap of faith are the true heroes. People who believe in themselves enough to know that “We’re gonna be OK. It might be tough, but we’re gonna make it, because we know we can.”
People like Lisis and Jeff, for example…THEY are the real heroes!
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..Happy Birthday, Baby
I suppose I must have a lot of heroes, because I admire a lot of individual who I learn from everyday. There’s Lance, you, Glen (Pluginid), Tim Ferriss, Randy Pausch, Tess (Bold Life), my mom etc. (I’m sure there are many others, but I’ll just note who comes to mind at the moment).
Heroes can come from just about anywhere. Thanks for this, Lisis.
John´s last blog ..Live Life as if You’re on an Adventure
My biggest hero is my son. After 9-11 he quit college and immediately joined the army – for six years. He was and is awesome!
suzen´s last blog ..Beginning or Ending a Journey? Ahhh, Enya!
I would write an amazing and inspiring comment, but JAY took the words from my mouth! That rascal…
No, really, I second Jay’s comment.
Plus, we didn’t ask for this, and the only other alternative, honestly, is to not deal with it at all and give up. How much fun would that be?
Also, your words,
“These are real heroes, and so are the families and friends who have stood by them…,” carry profound significance for me. WIthout you, Lisis, and the Q4B family of friends, I don’t know where I’d be. So, this is my shout out to all y’all – THANK YOU for standing by me! You are loved. ~ xoxoxoxoxoxox ~
Lori´s last blog ..Your Body is a Fortress, Part 2
Hi! Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your hero stories with me. YOU are my heroes… my constant inspiration.
I can’t stay on long, nursing a bit of a back injury, but I wanted to touch base and thank you for being here.
You guys are the best!
Like you and so many commenters have said, heroes are the ordinary people (which we all are – even the so-called more visible among us). The man I love is adventurous beyond reason, but not for thrill’s sake. He travels the world – and is living in Iraq right now – because he wanted to expand his perspective and understand other cultures firsthand. I can’t even imagine, but hope I’m someday as brave.
Then there’s my friend who has dedicated his life to world peace. He’s overcome substance abuse, physical abuse, and every other kind of gut-wrenching abuse you could imagine… But he doesn’t attach himself to it. He sees his life for the lessons it presented, and finds ways to take his horrendous beginnings and inspire others in the exact opposite direction.
Thanks for opening up this thread in the collective consciousness today!
Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..The Kids Who “Get Itâ€
[...] This post was Twitted by JaneBeNimble [...]
Christopher Reeve is a hero. I read both of his books and my family and I actually met him when he came to MI to speak.
My mom is my heroine. She raised 10 kids and helped with her 32 grandchildren and great grandchildren. She managed the produce farm I grew up in.
She doesn’t complain and is graciously living the end of her life in a nursing home. Still with a smile on her face enjoying her many many family visitors.
My daughter Kristy is my heroine. She was born without most of her right hand. She is a triathlete, a successfull business woman and a joy to be with.
My husband is my hero. We’ve been married 37 + years. He stood by my side when I was pregnant at 17, married me and raised our four daughters with me.
I’ve been truly blessed. I could go on but I’ll let someone else have their turn!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..Do You Dare
Hi Lisis,
I am agree with you and Stephen. Heroes are absolutely ordinary people, but they do extraordinary things. We all have heroes around us and maybe we are heroes for other people. Anybody can be a hero.
Love the post, Lisis. Thanks.
Arswino
Inspirational Quotes´s last blog ..85 Ways to Motivate Yourself
Thanks for this inspiring post – and the many inspiring stories in the comments.
Zen Moments is a collection of beautiful and inspiring true stories
We are looking for real life stories of small human responses that make a huge difference… times when we stop pushing to try to get somewhere else, when we open our hearts and minds to the present moment, to that which is right in front of us… moments of humour, insight, wisdom or compassion, when true awareness makes us see with fresh eyes…
If you would like to share your story on Zen Moments please write to us at:
contact @ zenmoments.org
We would love to hear from you!
Zen Moments´s last blog ..Counting the Emotional Cost