Be a Hero

As I reflect on 9/11/01, I remember details of the day in slow motion.

Stunned.

Fearful.

Overwhelming grief.

Uncertainty.

Anger.

I cried and hugged my kids and called my husband.



Like you, that day changed me forever.



As the stories and pictures came out in the days following, amid the grief and fear, I was overwhelmed with gratefulness for the heroes.

I would tear up at the sight of a Firefighter or a Marine.

While the emotions, for me, have quieted, the gratefulness remains.


I have a better understanding of what a hero is and does now.




A hero runs into a burning building when other are running out.

A hero holds everyone else as more important than himself.

A hero sees the need and rushes to meet it.

A hero knows the risks, and yet, continues to rescue or serve.

A hero doesn't discriminate based on where you live or what you look like.

A hero is moved to action in the face of dire consequences.

A hero cries for those he cannot rescue.



How do we honor those heroes - those who gave their lives that day and those who risk their lives today?

For me, the most fitting tribute to these brave men and women is to:

Be a hero.
See a need.
Take a risk.
Move to action.


Every one of us is designed for a greater purpose.

Every one of us has experiences that can be used to help someone else.

Every one of us can do something.



So... do something.




I want to be a hero.

Don't you?



Blessings to you,
Mamita