The word “hero” gets tossed around all the time these days, for almost any risky act to help someone, or just for facing some sort of danger.

But plenty of people muster courage to do things that never get praised in the local news. Do we ever think about what it takes to do them?

Here’s an example: When I used to go to live performances (before covid), there would often be a group of elderly folks who looked like they came by busload from a retirement facility. Walkers, wheelchairs, portable oxygen concentrators, hearing aids, white canes and service dogs. Every one of those folks had to overcome something just to navigate lobbies and seats and restrooms. It must have been daunting for many. But they came.

I often wondered if I would ever be brave enough to do the same when I was old and impaired.

That kind of unsung courage is more inspiring to me than many of the stories that get inflated in the news. It’s closer to what and where I am.

Do you have other examples like that? What about in your own case?

Topics: risk, Heroes, courage, limitations, bravery, overcoming obstacles