Who"s your hero?

**erinalexmom** · 09-29-2010, 09:00 AM

Last year my grandfather died. He was my hero. At his funeral and viewing there were at least 150 people! I looked around that week and decided that his life was definitly the life I wanted. He was an average guy, he had 11 brothers and sisters growing up and had quit school in 8th grade to help his parents. Later he went back to school and became an electrician. He worked in a factory and raised 5 children with my grandmother. The only time I ever saw him cry was when my grandma died of cancer. He was by her side and cared for her through her illness. He was a wonderful husband and father.
He was part Cherokee and he collected Native American artifacts. He used to come to the local schools to talk to children about electricity and he would also go around thanksgiving time and talk about Native American history and bring his artifacts.
The difference between him and most people in the world is that his whole life was built on relationships with others. He spent lots of time on a porch swing just enjoying his time with others. I realised that in order to have the time and efforts to build those relationships with those I love, I have to be frugal. I have to make a concentrated effort to prioritize my time and money.I am so grateful that he was my grandfather. I learned what was truly important from him.
Who is your hero and why? It doesnt have to be because of money, it can be any reason at all.

**McD** · 09-29-2010, 09:45 AM

I have several heroes.

One is Diana. She was a very close family friend that was truly like a second mother to us. I never heard her say a bad word about anyone. Even during personal tragedy, she was the epitome of class and grace. She passed last January--there was standing room only at her funeral.

Another is my younger brother, Dennis. Dennis is one of those positive people who makes your life brighter just by being in it. He adores my kids and goes the extra mile to make them feel special. I mean honestly, how many 21 year old college kids take the time to write their four year old nephew a letter so that it will help him with his reading? He's a truly good person.

And another is my husband.

**MANDERS** · 09-29-2010, 10:37 AM

I have several heros too. Charlotte who is my best friend and my guardian angel. She is so strong and caring. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't have made it through the last 5 years. She never gave up on me.

Just like Charlotte, my Dad never gave up on me. He's always so paitient and laid back. It amazes me how he can be in a completely stressful situation and be calm as can be.

My Grandparents that are still living. They are both 77 my Grandmother is on home hospice care and is terminaly ill. My Grandfather is in the beginning stages of Alzheimers. They are both always so worried about each other. My boyfriend told me that he wants to be just like my Grandparents in 47 years. I replied with what You want me to always tell you what to do and how to do it and then you wander off complaining about it..He let me figure it out on my own. They love their family so much..but when it comes down to it all that matters is the other one..After 57 years, thats true love!

**Neeley** · 09-29-2010, 11:21 AM

I have a couple, but one is my dad. In 1976, one day shy of me turning 18 months old he was electrocuted while working for the power company. He received more than triple the voltage Alabama's electric chair administers. He lost both arms, 2nd and 3rd degree burns all over his body, 6 inch by two and a half inch area of his scalp blown off and yet he suffered NO brain damage. He was given no chance of survival. After months in the hospital, hundreds of surgeries, so many that he became resistant to anesthesia, waking up mid-operation, and numerous hours of rehab he came home. In the years since, he has shown everyone how to live life to the fullest. He can do absolutely everything anyone else can, except tie his shoes. That is the only thing he cannot do with his artificial arms. He even taught me to drive a 5-speed. He went from being voted Class Favorite, Most Handsome and Most Popular to being a double amputee with extensive scars that cover most of his body, the heaviest are on his face and neck.

In 1998 he was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx. Due to radiation treatment compounded with the effects of being electrocuted, his voice box disintegrated in his surgeons hands when he attempted to remove the cancerous area. Daddy speaks without sound, but we have all learned to read lips like pros.

He and his best friend are raising her three grandchildren (ages 22 - boy, 16 -girl and 14 -girl). They are not married and do not live as a married couple. They share a home and their lives, not a bedroom. The two younger kids call him "Daddy". They know he is not their dad, but he is the only father they have ever known. At a time in his life when he could be laid back with few responsibilities he has chosen to take on raising kids - again. He bough the 16 year her first car, buys all of their clothes, takes them to all of their activities, helps with homework, listens to their problems...everything a real father does. I've offed him to come live with us numerous times. He would have it so easy here. But he tells me the girls need him and he could never leave them.

He has a positive attitude and the brightest outlook on life. He has never felt sorry for himself and doesn't want others to feel sorry for him, either. He is here for a reason and is making more out of his life than anyone else I know. Yep, my daddy pretty much rocks!

**Sophia** · 09-29-2010, 12:27 PM

One of my hero's is my oldest ds. He was 8 years old when he became a diabetic. He will be 19 next mth and he has never ever said why me? why did I get diabeties? There was a paper he had in high school and one of the questions ask was if there was anything you could change about yourself what would it be. He said nothing. I said son what about your diabeties he said no mom nothing. He is very kind and helps elderly people is very good with children , keeps his grades up and wants to be a doctor of internal medicine so that he can help others. He never complains about his diabeties. another would be My dad who taught me to help others even when you don't have a lot and never to lie or steal or cheat. and my husband who works a full time job and is one of the preachers at our church and an elder at church. He is a good husband. and a good father to our 2 ds. he is giving of his self to help others. I could say a ton more but will leave it at this

**erinalexmom** · 09-29-2010, 10:40 PM

Isnt it wonderful that we all have all these wonderful people who enrich the lives around them, even when they face adversity.
Keep the stories coming! I love em! Neely your dads story really touched me! Amazing! I am a home health nurse and I care for a man who is a quadripelgic and his positive additude never ceases to impress me

**shoiji** · 09-30-2010, 04:10 PM

I can't say I really have a hero. One person I do think of and lookup to is my grandmother who passed away 20+ years ago. When I was older we would talk occasionally on the phone. She always said if we had been the same age we would of had a great time. Which is true since her temperment and personality was very similar.

**frugalfranny** · 10-02-2010, 03:02 AM

Some great stories.

This post made me realize I don't really have a 'hero'.......gotta give this some thought.

**cab54** · 10-02-2010, 11:01 AM

ALL of these stories are really inspiring to me, this morning! THANKS, erinalexmom, for starting this thread!

I'm thinking I have way too many heroes to list here. SOOO many people have awed me with there tenacity and strength! (many of them here at FV!)

I'd say my maternal grandmother. Her name was Adelaide. She faced a lot of adversity and life-struggles like a champ. And she was my major frugal inspiration in life.

That said---ALL of my grandparents were married and raised children right at great-depression times. That makes them of strong stock in my book. My paternal grandfather was 1/2 Cherokee, erinalexmom!

I'm loving this wonderful thread!

**bumplett** · 10-02-2010, 11:20 AM

This story has been told to me numerous times over the years, while I don't remember it, it's been so engrained into my head, it's almost like I can see it.

When I was an infant (about 4 weeks old), my parents had to go out of town to visit an ailing grandparent.
They left my brother (8yrs) & I in the care of the adult babysitter.

While the babysitter & my brother were in the backyard picking fruit off the trees, a truck driver came into the back yard.

"ma'am, did you know your house is on fire?"

She starts yelling.... "the baaaaby... the baaaaaby"

Truck driver goes to the front of the house, he breaks the window out with his hands, reaching himself in enough to pull me out..... and leaves.

They never got his name, never stayed long enough to clean up the cuts on his arms..... and yes, the babysitter & my brother are certain that he was real.

I guess without him, I may not be here.... so he's my hero.

btw: the fire started due to a short in the t.v. & it caught the curtains on fire.

**fernykins** · 10-02-2010, 12:39 PM

My Hero is my youngest son Zack. I knew he made friends easy but I did not know what an inpact he had on so many people in his short live. He was 24 when he passed. This year. He had over 800 people at his memorial. I listened to his frinds stand up and talk about what he had done to help them achieve their goals. How while he was at USNA he had an open door policy day or night he would wake up ,stop whatever he was doing and help his fellow students. He had a saying and it goes like this "When I am sad I quit being sad and be awesome" He loved his mother ,his sibling and his family. His friend still send me letters and tell me what an awesome guy he was. Hes my hero.
Fern