The movie Avengers recently released and it is about super heroes…yesterday/night, I got to see real life Avengers. These are everyday heroes and it was amazing how many I saw yesterday. They were everywhere!
It started yesterday morning as I got to hug my good friend Riaz, his mom and dad. Both Riaz and his mom were part of the Rick Hansen Relay. Mama Meghji was one of the originals who 25 years ago help turn a dream into reality by working for the ‘Man in Motion Tour’. To see Mama Meghji and Papa Meghji with their son Riaz smile as they completed their 500m was worth capturing. There was happiness and appreciation. Then, I got to shake the hand of the hero himself, Rick Hansen. Talk about humble and a giant heart. He is someone who demonstrates (much like my father), that it is more about possibilities and opportunities over limitations. That is how I started my day.
I then had lunch with Madelaine. Now she is the unsuspecting hero kind…even to herself sometimes. With everything in her life – family, work, the crazy busy schedule as she is working to get her degree…and she wanted to have lunch with me. I sat there listening to her and I am amazed at how she incorporates so much into her day. Apart from Rick Hansen, she was my daily hero. Madelaine sees the world also with possibilities and opportunities but what I appreciate is that she maintains an amazing smile throughout. I have no doubt that she will accomplish much in life…another hero encounter!
While in my office I decided that I needed to attend the Rick Hansen Relay celebration so I bought two tickets and wound up taking my niece. I do have to give credit to my wife Sadhna because she knew how important this was to me and with two children at home, said I should go. Well, we got there and settled in and should have tried to find seat belts because it was sure an amazing ride. While the celebrities were amazing to hear from and their performances were memorable, to me, the real heroes were the individuals recognized as Difference Makers. They have accomplished much in a very selfless way. They talked about overcoming obstacles to achieve great things. They are humble individuals who go about their day. I think what I appreciate most is that those who were confined to beds, wheel chairs, blindness, cancer, mental illness…on and on, never gave up. There is something within them that carries them forward with determination. Their lives may have changed, but they are on a new journey. Those are also my heroes. Katie (who could not be there)…that includes you! For all that were part of the Rick Hansen Relay…thank you for making this happen. You were behind the scenes and putting all of out front but you are also heroes!
Tonight made me realize that I have much to accomplish in life. I think my message today is never give up, you can accomplish great things if you just put your full effort and energy into it, we are not in this by ourselves, and that life is a journey and we guide the path and determine how far we go. This has been a most inspiring day with so many heroes. So while the Avengers is in the theatre right now, they are NOT real. The people I encountered today ARE! Go out and find your super-hero-ness ? I need you!