The Good Stuff
Short Story
Two Kinds of Heroes In The World
by Denise Marshall
Length: 635 words 

Two Kinds of Heroes In The World

Here are two kinds of heroes in the world, volunteers and accidental. There are many thoughts and opinions in the Naked City;
and, mine is but one.

The Volunteer Hero

These heroes are well-known to everybody, everywhere. Whether we need defence of armed forces, protection by (or under) law enforcement, or rescue by fire-fighters and/or paramedics, we know they'll be there. With the annoying sound of blaring sirens and lights flashing, we can count on the cavalry is coming to save the day! They are heroes who took solemn oaths and dedicated themselves to serve humanity of every gender, race, creed, belief and color. That means you, you, especially you, and yours truly, me.

To the shallow ones amongst us, scoffing “big deal; that's what we, the public, pay them for", I say: you got another think coming. And, here's some clarity and depth to prove it. Your answer to this one, single question says it all: what monetary value or worth is "enough" for you to dedicate risking life, your most precious possession, for that of another, known or unknown to you?

"And, that's all I've got to say about that …”
(Forrest Gump)

The Accidental Hero

Ask the average Joe/Jane what or how he/she feels about their heroic deed, quite often their answer is "I did nothing special". Why? Because they happened to be in the right place, to do the right thing, at the right time. Simply put: theirs was heroism by accident. And this, my friends, I know firsthand, up close and personal!

Upon being woken in the wee hours by the sound of an accented female-voice, in distress, I sprang into action. My busy day would start in three hours, and this was unacceptable! Perturbed, I dialled 911 about the disturbance outside my bedroom window. To my dismay, not only were they aware of it, I was told (1) she was in labor, (2) help was delayed due to another emergency, and (3) if I could help or comfort her in any way until they arrived. Told her I had four kids, had a good idea of what happens and how, and said I would. In nightgown and slippers, I was downstairs and out the door in a flash. Five minutes later, I delivered a silent 6lb baby girl. Two gentle taps on the bottom of her feet brought strong infant squeals from healthy lungs. The sweetest noise I'd ever heard; 90 seconds later, with mom still on the pavement in birthing squat and cord attached, I put her into the hands of EMS. Numb from the shock of it all, I don't recall replying and, without a word, walked back inside. I showered, crawled back in bed and overslept but, after hearing "why", my employer excused my tardiness.

Later that week, a little girl came to my door with a picture of her newborn baby sister. "My mom told me to give this to you and thank you". But, she didn't need to tell me, I knew her heartfelt appreciation that moment our lives collided.

Many years have passed now, and today, she should be 16 years or so.

Many called me hero but, when asked about it, then and now, I take no credit for heroism. I did what was moral and humane; what I'd want done for loved ones and myself. Only an unkind and cold-hearted evil person could have ignored or done nothing for another soul in need. By doing the right thing, I can always live with myself and sleep better at night.

There are a multitude of others with stories like mine and greater. To them, and all the rest of those two kinds of true heroes in the world, thanks for making this world (our home), a safer and better place to live!
 

 
A Fire Fighter...

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