Conversations, posts and media coverage of our war veterans has made me think about the heroes I have had in my life. While there are many people I admire, I think that the word hero implies an added power. As kids, we all have heroes.
My first heroes were my Mom and Dad. My Dad could do anything - I thought - and my Mom could draw the best pictures of people. And her pages in my coloring book looked so nice.
Once I went to school, I transferred all my attention to my teacher. Having a hero was evolving into wanting to be like that person. I made up my mind in Grade One that I would be a teacher like Mrs Bowyer. And I was very fond of Dick and Jane books. I always wanted to live on Pleasant Street. I could read before I went to school but I'd never met Dick and Jane 'til then.
As a gawky teenager, I wanted to possess the cool poise of Grace Kelly. I knew I wasn't ever going to be a princess and didn't really want to be one. But having straight blond hair, fashionable clothes and the ability to look good in them. Oh, yes! I admit to being somewhat shallow as a teenager.
As a university student, I was immersed in music of the times. One of my surprising heroes came from this time. I always wanted to be Janis Joplin. I was still young, OK? But, her wonderful voice, her ability to share her feelings through her music and the apparent freedom drew me closer. Her voice, so raw and powerful, touched me as no voice or music ever has.
Now, I can look back and see that all my heroes were a means of self-improvement. I was always trying to correct deficiencies I perceived in myself. Now, I look around at the world and see that heroism isn't a comic book super-power. There are so many acts of heroism, every day, all over the world. They aren't all larger than life. In fact, most are small, quiet and unknown.
4 comments:
Stephanie, I love the way you guided us through your childhood and growing-up here, with the last 3 sentences being a brilliant conclusion.
Yes, most heroes are small, quiet and unknown.
Beautiful post, I enjoyed it a lot.
What a happy family picture! So which one are you, the toddler or the one in the middle? Gads, from Grace Kelly to Janis Joplin!! You were extremly varied in your idols! Mine were Sally Field and Patty Duke!! I watched all their shows and read everything I could about them. People said I looked like Sally Field as a teenager. The later it was Joni Mitchell.
I too love that childhood photo.....a post that makes you think is always a good thing.
Gill
what fun, after decades of friendship, I learned something new about you today. Love the family photo.
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