Our Greatest Heroes
Can you name the five wealthiest people in the world -- Ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize -- The last five Heisman trophy winners -- The last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actresses or best films?
Bet you didn't do too well.
No, I'm not trying to see how intelligent you are. Just wanting to make a point.
The rich, the famous, the powerful seemingly don't form lasting impressions. Usually it takes no longer than for the applause to die and the awards to tarnish before we forget their various achievements. And, these are no second-rate members of society. They rank the most notable in their fields.
How come, we ask, we can remember the names of each and every friend who helped us through a crisis or stood by us when times were tough? What about the teacher in elementary school who challenged us to learn and grow or who introduced us to the love of books? Or the stranger who did a kindness without us ever knowing their name, yet long afterward we can recall their face in vivid detail?
I know each of us would have no problem recalling five people we enjoy spending time with. Never even have to strain a muscle.
The ones who make a difference in our lives are not the ones who make the most money or who have the most prestigious credentials. The ordinary people who cross our paths everyday create the most lasting impressions.
I still have no trouble recalling Mrs. Smith who was my fourth grade teacher. I can close my eyes and see her face. And that was more years ago than I care to say. Let's just leave it at that. Mrs. Smith fed my love of books. She read aloud a chapter a day from The Last of the Mohicans and my interest in historical fiction was born. But, she taught much more than academics. I'd like to think I became a more rounded person because of her direct influence.
Then, there was Mr. Murphy who taught sixth grade. Oooooh, what a hunk! My poor little heart ached with my first crush. I wanted him to notice me, then was terrified he would. Pain and agony.
I remember my first kiss - the one my husband would much rather I forget. But, that's another story.
I'm sure you all can relate to the connection you had with your doctor during childbirth. They held our hands and got us through a difficult, scary time. The struggle to bring new life in the world forges an invisible bond and creates a special place in our memories.
The thing is, what makes these people memorable is: they cared. They gave us something we needed.
In creating our stories, we tend to overlook the real heroes. We think if we don't write about socialite heroes/heroines, or ones we believe are worthy because of their positions, our books won't be worth much. Who on earth would want to read about a ditch digger, a librarian, or a person who has no job at all but who stops to aid victims after a car crash?
I would!
It takes more than money, danger or fame to make a hero. According to Amy Brenneman of CBS's hit show "Judging Amy," what determines a hero is someone who's willing to face their darkest, most terrifying fear and not let it prevent them from doing what they know they must.
Whatever degree of society our characters come from, we would do well to remember that if these people don't make a difference in each other's lives, we should change them. Otherwise, they won't make a reader keep turning the pages because they won't make a difference to them either.
Let's not overlook the basic ingredients that make our own world fulfilling. Let's give some of the same qualities to our characters. Let's remember that wealth and fame don't always make real heroes.
