September 17, 1998

Heroes

I am imagining right now that I am reading a newspaper; the front page headline reading: Alex Smith is Hero, Two Children Saved.

My initial reaction is a feeling of pride and respect, for Alex is a hero, for evidently he took the risk of his life to save another.

But I read on. He ran into a burning building to save these children. My pride swells.

Then, I learn Alex is dying of cancer. He has a terminal tumor on the brain with maybe a month at best left. Surprisingly, I begin to doubt his hero-ship.

There really was no risk to his life. Either he would die then or die soon. What thoughts raced through Alex's head? Was there really any threat to him? Is a hero really a hero if there is no risk?

And of course, there is one other question I have to ask. For, if you are observant, you will notice I have never made one statement-- whether or not Alex too survived.

Comments:

• Alex was a hero.
  Do you suppose Alex was aware that fire is hot? His days, numbered as they were, could have been spent in a comfortable hospital bed with his veins full of pain-killing medication, yet he faced the possibility of excruciating pain and the near certainty of severe emotional and physical stress.

  Alex was selfish.
  With the hand of death on this throat, Alex took full advantage of this opportunity. He knew that what short life he had left would be filled with congratulations, praise, television interviews and other forms of ego satisfaction, if only he would make this meaningless gesture.

  Alex made the logical choice.
  Alex, being a rational animal, made the correct decision. He risked the potential of his thirty remaining days of existence for the pontential of three children who presumably have long (potentially productive) lives to lead. To do anything else would be illogical.
  -- Ray
  
  

• hmmm... interesting... but I don't think it matters whether or not he died in his attempt or whether or not he has cancer. The value we place on out lives is immense.. it is bred through a million years of evolution and a lifetime of our society's values.

  "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

  besides.. we are all terminally ill. It's a disease called being alive.. i wouldn't give myself more than about 80 years at best so far has my illness progressed =>

  anyway.. i think this guy is the best kind of hero and thats why.. just thought you might enjoy Marshall the Mormon's take on that
  -- Marshall
  
  

• well, did he die or what?
  -- Jeff