I looked up the definition of the word HERO today. We have all grown up with heroes; whether they be fictitious or the fireman that lives next door...they still remain a bold figure that gives us security, awe, hope, dreams, and admiration for the pillar of strength these heroes so greatly represent.

As defined, a hero is a man (or woman) distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength. What does it mean to be noble? What classifies courage? How do you measure strength as heroic?

I am looking at my mom right now, and she is taking her second round of chemotherapy. There are no bells and whistles. No audience aside from myself. No
people clapping for her heroic nature. It is just me and her. Does that take courage? Yes. Must you have strength? Yes. Does it grant her of noble status? I think this journey had bred excellence, yes.

She has no idea that just by sitting here facing what she is, that her courage is radiating beyond her physical form. She has no idea as she closes her eyes to relax, that just by watching her, I have a new grown courage and strength of my own. Why?
Because I am inspired.

I want to represent those same qualities she does. I want to be strong, courageous and noble. I want to set an example for others when they need a hero to give them hope. I want to take what my mother has so greatly exemplified, and be a light to others.

She is creating a legacy right now (in her chair and hooked up to this machine), and she has no idea.

As I sit here, I am honest with myself in saying...as an adult, I have somewhat forgotten to look up to my heroes. I am very in tune with my inner child. I think that is of great importance when looking at life through my unique lens.

But, this experience really opened my eyes and helped me to be awake and see the heroes all around me. As we mature, our heroes may not have capes and flashy
suits, but they serve within society disguised as a part of the community.

They are everywhere. They elude courage, strength and nobility in their everyday task. Much like the fireman, police officer, nurse or parent (cancer or not), these heroes hold the greatest quality, which is the ability to serve and lead by example...without
expectation.

They hold strength to help others. Their excellence is designed solely to do what we cannot (or will not). Their courage is a quiet and unannounced. It is their life. In their modesty, they do great things without record.

But to those lives they touch, their greatness is remembered for a lifetime.

I see that as I type this, in a quite treatment center. I feel motivated and inspired to have courage myself. I feel honored to witness strength. I feel moved as I recognize excellence.

If anything a hero can do for another, it is instill those characteristics in those they are observed by...just by their representation.

We are not kids anymore, but if you take a look around, you will notice the heroes that pass us in the streets, that are run by kindness and purpose. If you see them, appreciate them because whether or not they have served you directly, they are part of a noteworthy group that brings light to the universe.

Be aware. Be grateful. Be conscious of the gift you can receive just by observation...which is the gift of inspiration to be a hero of your own.

In business and in life, we all have the opportunity to do great things. We all have the opportunity to be magnificent in the most modest of way. We all have the opportunity to touch lives and to leave a legacy.

The greatest heroes are ones that do not even know they hold the title. Be bold in your decisions. Be strong in your purpose. Be courageous in life. Be noble in character. Be a hero that can change someone elses life...even just by sitting quietly in a chair.

This is dedicated to my mother...and to the memory of my father. Both of you are heroes in my life, and it is all that I can do to represent all you have been to me.

- Be a light

Melissa Curry