In my Webster dictionary the definition of hero is as follows: he•ro/:a
mythological or legendary figure of great strength or ability 2: a man admired
for his achievements and qualities 3: the chief male character in a literary or
dramatic work. But this is not my definition of a hero.
My hero is not a man, he has no great physical strength, nor does he have any
great physical ability. My hero has never thrown a baseball or shot any
basketball hoops. My hero is eleven years old and he is my grandson. And to me
he is a legendary figure! Cory has cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus; he is
confined to a wheelchair, has very limited use of his right arm and hand, and
slurred speech.
Cory's greatest achievement is just getting through his days. He doesn't know
any words such as cant; wont, cheat, steal, kill, or hate. All that Cory knows
is un-conditional love for everyone that he meets. His love for his fellow man
is colorblind; it is also ethnic blind. There is no soul on this earth that my
little hero doesn't like, no one that he wont give a smile to. And when you get
a Cory smile, you receive the most precious of all gifts! Cory's smiles light up
any room, and will touch any heart.
I know that it sounds selfish, but I think God put Cory on this earth for the
sole purpose of teaching his Granny the true meaning of love! Not the common
everyday variety of love. But the deep down, soul touching, kind of love. The
kind of love, that warms you from the heart, to the very core of your being.
As you can see, my hero will never become the president, nor will he be a star
athlete, and never will he be on the silver screen. But, I don't give it a
second thought; he's still my hero. What he is, and what he gives is a greatness
that few can compete with.
My message to all that will read my little story; is love comes in all kinds of
wrappings. Look around and discover what God has given you. Cherish what you
have, and be thankful that you are able to share it with others. And let the
love flow!
Judy Kiser, © 2000
judykiser@earthlink.net
*******
I live in Brunswick, Ga. With my husband Roger and our five dogs. I work full
time as a server, and enjoy writing bedtime stories for my grandchildren.
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