Who Is Your Hero?

Do you have a personal hero? Tell us about them. It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Your Everyday Hero: Mark W.

'My father, the hero.' My father, Mark, has held his dying best friend in his arms; been scarred by war; lost his mother; endured three failed marriages; fought a 40-year battle with alcoholism; suffered an impoverished and abused childhood; and fell victim to bankruptcy. Through it all, the pain of his losses is only a faint shadow beneath his courage, strength, and most of all, love. He works over 60 hours a week to help me with college and provide for my mother and me who work half as much. I have just started college to fulfill my lifelong dream to be a teacher. From school I have had mentors aplenty and I hope to follow in their footsteps. He's so proud that I want to be a teacher, a person of education with an easier life. He often reminds me that this family started late in life and my pursuit of my dreams has put the past behind him and filled his heart with renewed joy. I'm inspired by the loving heart that embraces me so, and that is the legacy I will forever carry. I hope he soon realizes that HE is the true teacher.

Story was submitted anonymously