What does it take to be a hero? Does it really take steering a US Airways passenger plane to a safe landing in the Hudson River saving all 155 lives on board? Superman could have lifted the plane safely to shore without even letting it hit the water. Of course, Hancock might have tossed the plane in a nearby parking lot smashing all cars and small animals in their place. I guess all heroes have their own unique style. But what are heroes made of? I know we'd like to believe that a hero is invincible to everything except perhaps kryptonite, or can "flame on" in the face of danger. But heroes are made of the same stuff you and I are made of ... and maybe something a little extra inside. A person becomes a hero when, in the face of disaster, he places others before himself. A person becomes a hero when the choice to do what is right and noble overcomes the desire to do what is self-serving or apathetic. A hero often lays down his life for someone else. What makes Chesley Sullenberger a hero? Clearly, his actions speak volumes. But as I have read what others say about Mr. Sullenberger, I have found that he might have been the perfect man for this hero role. Mr. Sullenberger is a former fighter pilot with the US Air Force and he runs a safety consulting firm in addition to flying commercial aircraft. He has even been studying how to handle a crisis while in flight. You might say Chesley Sullenberger was prepared for Flight 1549 heading to Charlotte, North Carolina. He was the perfect man for this hero role.
As a dad, I can't help but wonder what I can learn from Mr. Sullenberger today. I think my role as DAD has just as much of an impact as his. Perhaps not in the same volume, but certainly with the same importance. As our culture has changed over the years, how have we grown our responsibilities as dads? Are we still leading our homes by example. Do we still exhibit strength and love. Are we the heroes that our children see? Mr. Sullenberger became a hero not because he happened to be piloting Flight 1549. He became a hero because he found himself in a place where his character, preparedness, and resolve could be seen. He was not caught of guard. Are we just as prepared? When we find ourselves in that place where our character, preparedness, and resolve is exposed...what will our children see?
As a dad, I can't help but wonder what I can learn from Mr. Sullenberger today. I think my role as DAD has just as much of an impact as his. Perhaps not in the same volume, but certainly with the same importance. As our culture has changed over the years, how have we grown our responsibilities as dads? Are we still leading our homes by example. Do we still exhibit strength and love. Are we the heroes that our children see? Mr. Sullenberger became a hero not because he happened to be piloting Flight 1549. He became a hero because he found himself in a place where his character, preparedness, and resolve could be seen. He was not caught of guard. Are we just as prepared? When we find ourselves in that place where our character, preparedness, and resolve is exposed...what will our children see?
