My Hero

   When we are little we think that Heroes are the people in cartoons that wear capes and spandex. Then one day you grow up and you know that the real heroes in our lives are those who wear a different uniform. Some are First responders, some are our parents, grand parents, sons, daughters, wives, husbands, brothers and sisters.

   My Dad has always been my Hero because he is a firefighter. When I was in middle school it occurred to me that my dad might not come back from work. He could die trying to help people who need him. A few months past and my worry about my dad subsided cause there aren't too many "dangerous" fire situations in Fairfield.

   I woke up on Sept. 11 like I usually did. Got up and got ready for Seminary, and went out to warm up the car. I was trying to find a radio station with some music and everyone was just talking about a plane crash. I told my mom when she got out to the car and she was a little more shocked then I was (I didnt know what the twin towers were). When I got to Seminary I still didn't think it was a big deal but they had a special devotional that morning about all the people who had lost their lives. It wasn't til I got to my first period class that I understood what was really going on. 5 of my 6 classes had the News on the T.V. that day. The one that didn't was P.E. As I watch what was unfolding on the news all I could think about was the Families who lost someone. The First Responders who risked their lives for others even if it meant that they couldn't go home to their family ever again. the passengers on the flights, and everyone who was helping any way they could that day was my hero.

   In 4th period that day I got hurt and had to got to the nurses office. Before the nurse asked me anything she said "oh my goodness are you a Willey girl?" (I get that a LOT so I learned to just stop asking how they know that) After I told her yes she asked if my dad was going to help in New York. That is when true TERROR shook me to my core. After school I rushed home to see if my dad was gone. I was relived to find out that he was not going.
   Ever since that day I had a new understanding of what people felt when a loved one leaves home or safety for the good and welfare of others with no regard for personal safety and well-being. I gained a new appreciation for everyone who was at ground zero. Every passenger on those planes. Every First Responder. All Military men and women. And the Families of all those brave souls.
   My Dad and those Families will always be in my Heart and Prayers. They are My True Heroes.