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: Jordan E.

My hero is my friend Jordan. He passed away on June 24, 2008 at the age of 14. He was struck in the head by a tree limb while helping his dad cut down a tree. Jordan was a great person. He was involved in basketball, football, wrestling, student council, and was a lance corporal in our state's Young Marines. If you were having a bad day he was the first person to ask what was wrong and would keep asking until you told him. While it would make you mad at first, you realized that you felt better after telling him and he knew just what to say to make you feel better. Even though he and I weren't close friends, many days he would wait for me after school and walk downstairs with me so I wouldn't have to go alone.

If he ever did have a bad day, He didn't show it. He always had a smile on his face. Jordan inspired us all by overcoming a learning disability. He was determined to read as well as the rest of the kids in our grade and would practice by reading his family passages from the Bible. He had a very strong faith in God. When Jordan was young, he went through a very traumatic experience that I can't share. He never let this dampen his energetic spirit and love of life.

To me, Jordan is the kind of person that I strive to be. He overcame challenges in his 14 years that many people will never have to in their life. His smile, positive attitude, and love for life will be forever remembered and loved by everyone who knew him. "God never promised us tomorrow so live life to the fullest."~ Jordan E.

Submitted by Devon