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: Martin T.

Forty years ago at the age of six I had spent a great deal of time in a box in the closet and endured many years of abuse at home. I came to my first grade class sucking my thumb and staying behind when the class would go out to play. I was filthy and neglected. At one point I was kept out of school for an extended period of time while in Martin's class with diapers wrapped around my face. When I was 30, I learned my face had been crushed even though I had no memory other than the fact my mom would tell my teacher I had some disease no one knew about and I remembered it wasn't true.

My teacher, Martin, called daily and even came to my house and my mother refused to let him in. Forty years ago family business was family business, not like today. My teacher was reported to the principal and weathered a great deal to continue to pursue my well-being.

Even though I had to grow up in this environment, I believe in my heart, my teacher gave me hope and helped carry me into adulthood a whole, happy, loving human being. He helped me to see there were good loving people who did not want anything from you. I model myself after him today.

Story was submitted anonymously