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: Fernando V.

In the 20-plus years, I have been working with special education students, I never met anyone quite like Fernando V.

When I met him, I was introduced not to a quadriplegic eight year old. Instead I met a breath of fresh air. 'What a personality,' I thought. 'We're going to have fun.' And we have. Lots of it. He said he wanted to paint. I know I must have laughed out loud at that point, but painting it is. He will paint for hours on end, enjoying the magic of color.

Fernando has become a dear friend. His lovely personality is so infectious. A person always leaves him feeling "up" and a little happier. Happier about themselves. But what Fernando gives in return is tenfold.

Fernando to me is an angel straight from heaven. He is an edification of love. Every time I leave him I take his love with me. I feel so blessed knowing him...he's my inspiration, he's my teacher and what a wonder blessing knowing him has been.

Story was submitted anonymously