There has
been a lot of talk lately about the Lance Armstrong fiasco. Although I am sure it
will blow over just like the Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant and Brett Favre
scandals eventually did. Recently,while in the Bay Area I saw the headline of one
of the major newspapers front page with the words “LIAR AND CHEAT” over
Armstrong’s’ picture. I listened to the news reporters on both the T.V.
and radio vehemently denounce him. I was struck at how quickly we turn on
those whom WE have placed on pedestals in the first place. I am not
defending any of these people and I am very disappointed in each of them, but
they are not nor were they ever someone I saw as a hero.
I am a HUGE
football fan myself. I absolutely love watching my 49ers play and I can
be very passionate about the game and the players. I love watching
talented players make great plays. I love it even more when after the
game they are humble and have kind words about the other players and the
coaches. But they are not my hero's. I would LOVE to meet former NFL
Coach and turducken eating (A Turkey stuffed with a duck stuffed with a
chicken) John Madden. I think he is funny and smart and it would be so
COOL to hang out with him and watch a football game. But John is not one
of my heroes.
I only have
a few mortals that come to mind that I consider heroes. Someone like
Jimmy Carter who (Politics aside) has dedicated his life to peace negotiations,
eradication of disease and helped to found Habitat for Humanity. I don't
have to agree with everything he has ever said or done, but I admire his
heart and genuine desire to help people. Someone like Mother Teresa who's
service to the poor and lost could fill the rest of this blog and more.
I am blessed to be able to
hang out with my true Hero's, my children. Each one of them has
overcome a significant challenge or taken a chance in ways that I don't think I
could have at their age. Our son Austin will perform in "A
Midsummer Night's Dream" at his high school this week. He will
be playing one of the lead characters. I think it is admirable for a shy
teenager to get up and take that risk. Let's face it, many adults don't
have the guts to do something like that. But for a kid with Tourettes
Syndrome to do it? Well, that is just amazing to me.
I have often tried
to put myself in Austin's shoes. I don’t believe I would have
handled having Tourettes as well as he has. Austin continues to
move forward in school, he is a part of Young Life and now, performing in
his second play. He has never used his “disability” as an excuse to hold
him back.
When I think
of all the small things I have let hold me back in life, the chances I have not
taken for fear of ridicule, I am in awe of my son. He has taught me
more than most adults and shown more courage and determination than any sports
figure or celebrity I have seen.
I will continue to admire the sports players and celebrities that I enjoy
watching. I may get even mad or disappointed when they fall from
grace. But, I hope I never put any of them on a pedestal that I
have created and then let it take so much of my precious time or thoughts when
they do fall. Because we are all human, and we will all make mistakes and
fall from grace.
In the
meantime, my true heroes I keep close to my heart. The ones I see moving
forward and taking chances. People like my son Austin, who has already
taught me many things. I can't wait to see what else I can learn from
him.
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