Pass It On

by Christina Hazelwood
Although I’m a fan of the television show 60 Minutes and of its long-time commentator Andy Rooney, I take umbrage to recent remarks he made. Rooney spoke about the fame accorded to Chesley Scullenberer’s Hudson River water landing of the US Air jet he piloted, claiming that we, average citizens, have rare occasion to be such heroes. Rooney said that only in times of war do we get the opportunity to demonstrate our humanity. I whole-heartedly disagree!

Each of us has ample opportunity, on a daily basis, to be a hero. I grant you the media rarely flocks down upon us and the mayor is unlikely to give us a key to the city, but there are moments provided to each us to be heroes in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Each time we choose to say a kind word rather than a harsh one, we are heroes. Every time we extend ourselves to another, we are heroes. The fact that we choose to roll ourselves out of bed and go to work to feed our own faces makes us heroes. We could wallow around and complain that our families, our government or our church should take care of us. Each and every time we accept responsibility for ourselves and choose to do something positive, it gives us the right to pat ourselves on the back and say, good one!

Let me tell you about a hero I met a few weeks ago. I had been going through a very rough time. The people close to me were being cruel, destructive and selfish. I had begun to question why I bothered to continue to be good or kind to them or towards anyone, because there did not seem to be any reward in it. It was starting to look to me like the callus, selfish, power-seekers around me, and in the world-at-large, were winning. While those of us who effort at goodness are on the loosing end.

I had spent several days dealing with financial issues and banking problems and was greatly distressed by it all. I had literally just left the bank, where I thought all was resolved. Being famished, I went to Panera’s restaurant next door to wolf down some food. The order was placed, I got my drink and went to sit down when a problem arose and I was waved back to the cashier. The debit card did not go through. This came as quite a shock to me.

My food order number was called out as complete at the other end of the counter. People were pushing up in lines behind me and on either side of me, impatient to place their orders. I discovered that neither my companion, nor I, had any cash, credit cards or any other form of payment on us or in the car. I was stunned. I did not know what to do.

The whole thing was humiliating and infuriating since I had literally just left the bank. I stuttered and stammered and told the cashier, the only thing I can think of to do is to drive home, get some money, and come back. The cashier just stared at me and there was a moment of embarrassed silence. I said, I don’t know what else to do.

A man who was standing in the line next to me says, "I’ll pay for it." He gives his card to my cashier. I was incredulous. I said, "That is so kind of you. Thank you. I’ll pay you back. I’ll need your phone number or your address, so I can mail you the money," I blubbered. He said, "No don’t bother. I’ll just pay for it. I don’t want the money. Just pass it on."

The whole experience was mortifying. After he paid, I ran into the ladies’ restroom and bawled my eyes out. I had so many thoughts and emotions running through me, I could hardly contain myself. I really feel it was God’s little joke on me. I was starting lose my faith in humanity because of the nastiness swirling around me of late. I was starting to wonder if there were any good or kind people left in the world and wondered why I should bother trying to be one. Then, out of the clear blue, this stranger rescues me. He not only rescued me from my momentary financial crisis; he rescued my waning faith in mankind. For this, I owe him a debt of gratitude.

There is ample opportunity for each of us to be a hero everyday. And I am so thankful I met one. I look forward to the many opportunities to "pass it on."

Associated Links

Andy Rooney of 60 Minutes