I do just love the differences among us and value each of those whose opinions and viewpoints have been shared on the topic of heros/heroines, role models, and idols.  You are GREAT! 

My Turn! 

I have had several role models as I have grown into who I am today.  You will laugh, but one of the first role models I remember is Tazan!  Johnny Weismuller (sp)  I mean, really ... what's not to admire?  athletic, good communicator, and he looked pretty good in that loincloth!    But seriously, I was a budding swimmer in my early years, and he could out swim a crocodile!

But as years went by and I tired of swinging through the jungle on vines, I developed a new admiration for a young man who became very instrumental in my life.  His employment was as the youth pastor at my parent's church, but he was much more than that.  In college, he had been a track star ... that is, until he blew out his knee.  That didn't stop him, though, and  ... he began to sow the seeds toward the vision he had of a sports camp that he has now gone on to achieve.  He owns and operates this awesome sports camp in the PA mountains called Summer's Best 2 Weeks.  The link is in my fav's, too!  >>>>>  Check it out! 

phsbum  is headed there on Sunday for her second year.  I have intense admiration for this man.  He started with nothing and has gained everything by hard work, good friends, and a loving God.  I am so deeply touched by his example.

My definitions are somewhat different that some of you  ... and as I said, I think that's GREAT! 

An idol,  to me, is an ideal or perfection, and there can be only one for me: Jesus  There is none other whose entire life is worth emulating!

Heros/role models?  I have many ... They are people who come face to face with limitations and struggle to overcome them.  They are people who, though imperfect, have embraced who they are and moved forward.  They are people who never quit though the challenges seem endless.  They are people who battle life-theatening ailments and continue to laugh.  They are people who walk what they talk, their character in line with their standards. 

(amended from this point)

• I admire T. Jefferson  as the author of the Declaration of Independence and any number of other important endeavors in our nation's infancy.
• I admire Booker T. Washington and several others for swimming upstream
• I admire the talent of my older daughter who can do ANYTHING with computer graphics!
• I admire many @mindsay for the way you all balance your lives: online balanced with real life relationships and work.
• I admire many of the mindsay youth for the way they face the unkowns of their future with a sense of humor and honesty that is awesome!
• I admire people of various faiths - as they walk it to the best of their understanding and ability in humility and love.

Again, thank You all for sharing your great stories.  Enjoy your day ... and keep an eye out for NEW heros/heroines!