Heroes

“A long long time ago, I can still remember how that music used to make me smile.”  Hang on, that is the Don Mclean song.  A long long time ago I bought an album based on its title alone.  “Local Hero.”  I hear that term a lot more these days, but back then it was unfamiliar to me.  I liked it a lot.  Still do.
I hear much about “superhero’s.”  Mythical people who save the world time and again.  I love some of the movies I have seen featuring them.  I get absorbed for a time.  There may be twists and turns in the plot, but I know it is all going to work out in the end.
What I love even more is local heroes.  They mostly do not get the publicity.  But they do seem to all have one thing in common.  Selflessness.  It can be a war hero.  They may lose their life or be injured but what they do is universally acknowledged as doing something that makes it easier for others.  Or it may be that it is someone providing meals for those who cannot do it.  It is a selfless act prioritizing the needs of others.  Again it may be visiting people in hospital.  I saw a bit of that with my mum.  It was felt that she should have been the one in hospital.  She did it even when it was hard to do.
Local heroes seem to motivated in part by the potential in others.  What is done is indiscriminate.  If giving out food, it does not say “oh you are worth it,” and to the next one “go away.”  What is done is done for all rather than for some.
What does seem to happen in a lot of cases to, is that a hero emerges and those around them work to make it happen.  War heroes often get the cover they need to carry out their exploits.  They are definitely the heroes though as they are the ones willing to do it.  While others may be fearful of perceived consequences the hero does what needs to be done, or dies trying.    Even someone preparing food has others that see the potential of what is to be achieved, and do their part to make it happen.
Unfortunately, the minute self-interest takes hold there is a trying to protect what is, rather than a working for what could be.  Like it or not, there is a new reality.  So many seem to see the good old days and try to protect that, rather than embrace the new.  The trouble is the past is gone.  It really is get involved or get out the way.
I guess heroes see opportunities and take them.  They know that if it is going to happen, they are the ones who it will happen through.  They are the only ones that step forward.  All others step back.  Many do not see a need yet for them it is a burning passion.
Actions appear to be based on a hope or an expectation.  Often I hear “I don’t know how they can live with themselves.”  Heroes basically could not live with themselves if they did not do what they have in mind to do.  To me there are few things to hear sadder than what might have been.  So often it is said if I had my time again I would do it.
For some things I get a second chance.  For others I do not.  Which ever is the case it is guaranteed that if I take the first chance I am less likely to need the second chance.