The week before last we heard all about what happens when hero worship, authority and ambition all go horribly wrong. It was depressing, and it reminded me that we often over-value achievements of athletics and celebrity. Look, I love sports. And I love my University sports. And I hero-worshiped our football coach. So I get it. But clearly, our worship is not always well-placed. In fact, the news just gets more depressing, but in a whole new way as the media report that the Penn State "brand" has been damaged as evidenced by a 40% drop in merchandise sales. Seriously? Merchandise sales? People's lives were ruined and we're talking about how many jersies they sold? Ugh.
So it was nice to hear a different story about someone who was making truly remarkable achievements. It's not hard to be impressed by the story of Gabriell Giffords, so it's not like I've found some unsung hero that society has over-looked. Her story is pretty well known. But what struck me was this story I heard on NPR last week. About how hard she was working to recovery from the gunshot injury. And I was totally blown away that someone could put forth that much effort. There are days when I get frustrated and bogged down by obstacles in my life. But man, they are no comparison to what this woman is up against. She reads the last chapter of her book in which she says, in part, "Long ways to go. Grateful to survive. It's frustrating, mentally hard,
hard work. I'm trying, trying so hard to get better. I will get
stronger. I will return.” It's incredible to hear. A great effort being made - no self-pity - just effort. Take a listen to the full report at NPR or there's a video clip at ABCNews.
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