Who’s Your Hero?
October 22nd 2007 01:11
From Steve Waugh through to Lance Armstrong and Nelson Mandela – the list from the throng who weighed in on the topic was inspiring – to say the least.
Sure – as a youngster – I had my own hero’s – most of them sporting – Muhammad Ali, Don Bradman and Arthur Beetson – but essentially my dad was as close as I’ll ever come to having a living, breathing hero – that I could (and still can) connect with – in my own way.
How one man could be a magician, engineer, builder, comedian, mechanic, humanitarian, vet, horticulturist and adventurer – was often beyond the comprehension of a four-year-old – for whom every day was wanting to grow up to be just like dad.
Still as tough as teak – and as active as time and health pemits – he still makes me laugh despite the occasional comedic re-run . . .
No - heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
Some we admire from afar, some a little closer to home.
In the words of David Bowie – let’s just hope that “We (too) Could Be heroes – Just for One Day.”
So whose your hero/es?
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Comment by Louie
Climate Forum
Climate Red
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Madonna!
Wow - I've never heard anyone put Madonna on that mantle before. A high achiever, with an insane ability to market herself - and from a former colleague who did some work with her a few years ago - quite a genuine person to boot.
Cheers and thanks for dropping by.
MNG
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Tracy
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Would you settle for Jeff from the Wiggles?
I could probably organise that.
Who is your left little toe earmarked for?
Thanks for calling in.
MNG
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
My other toe is for David Gahan from Depeche Mode.
Byeee
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
Your Dad was a magician....WOW!! That would have sold him to me for a start!!
He also must have been (is) very loving and supportive and communicative....lucky you!
I respected my Dad through fear when young, later on, resentment grew with the hormones, which slowly dulled into an unexpressed understanding of why he was the way he was, then forgiveness formed in my heart. We never got to cover this area before he died.
I was born just ten years after hostilities finished, and was the last of five!
I remember him waking in the night screaming....and the night sweats from malaria...Dad handled things as best he could, he was only just turning 17 when he arrived at the front in the Middle East, (so many of his era lied about their age), then into the jungles of New Guinea....no wonder he was 'tough'...and hid his emotional softer side, which was always there.
He wasn't a psychopath, or violent, but he threatened, and sounded like he meant it!
He was just a decent man trying to support his family the best way he could, by not being there, by being in the desert geologically mapping it...for years and years...with three months break in between, when his wife would become pregnant, and after that period of family making, he tried to get to know his kids, but was unable to emotionally connect, it was difficult for us kids to have to get to know him all over again..
My heroes....not feeling particularly funny at the moment...wonder why??..
I could prattle on forever about the comic book heroes, TV, etc...but really, my heroes are people who have stood up against the 'machine', alone, without support financially or emotionally, or even physically, and exposed the injustices, that are endemic in our ailing society.
Whistle blowers feature VERY highly amongst my heroes!!!
cheers
fog
Comment by Luke
Book Club
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Definitely my mother and my father. I won't go into why, because it's really more than I can put into words.
Others I admire but don't know exactly:
Marian Keyes
Bob Connell
Andrew Denton
and countless others who are no longer living, who everyone admires, or who aren't so famous but whose lives have been so worthy.
Michaelie
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Yes I feel quite fortunate - though we do have our moments - young bull old bull moments if you like.
I was touched by your recall of your dad's story and while I can't readily identify with your growing pains - I do remember constantly being reminded NOT to ask my respective grandfather's about their time in Syria, Crete, The Middle East and New Guinea.
At the time - I didn't realise why - they apparently were quite never the same men when they returned.
Sounds like your heroes have not only courage but huge doses of moral fibre.
Stay well my friend.
MNG
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Succinct as always.
Cheers
MNG
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
You know sometimes it's the unsung heroes that leave the most lasting of legacies.
PS: Mr and Mrs Nice Guy's groomsman taught Andrew Denton's young son last year - if only we'd known you then - you and he could have been best mates by now.
Thanks for stopping by buddy.
G
Comment by Sonya 1
Writing Words
Great topic
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Hey - Mrs NG had a similar upbringing - as her dad passed away when she was just 18 months. So I can vouge for the trials and tribulations and successes of being a single mum.
Great to meet you - please feel free to call in again.
Cheers
MNG
Comment by Catherine
Natural Animals
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Lovely sentiment. When anyone gives it a go - and breaks out of their comfort zone - they should be applauded.
We need more people who have your mindset.
Thanks for taking the time to drop by.
Hope to see you again soon
MNG
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Hands down it is my parents. I definitely hit the parent lottery with the two of them. Every day I am grateful for their guiding hands!
Mis
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
. . . and it shows.
MNG
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
That is high praise indeed!
mis
Comment by Anonymous
My hero would have to be Barbie.
If at almost eighty years old I can work a
micro-mini skirt, I will be happy.
KVR