My Heroes

I don't have a lot of heroes. I don't have a ton of role models. Don't get me wrong, there are a few, but I am very selective. I like a lot of people, but there are not many I aspire to be like or draw inspiration from.

Maybe it's because in the end, I had to be my own hero.

I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but really, no one else could save me. I couldn't have felt safe enough to disclose without Studdly Hubby's support. I couldn't have made it through the trial without him by my side every second, and my friends at Concordia. But I had to be the one to disclose. I had to be the one to report it to the police and follow through with the trial. 

Today, I was reminded of another hero. Elizabeth Smart.

For those of you who don't recall her story, she was kidnapped from her own home in the middle of the night in 2002, and held captive for 9 months by a man and his wife. They kept her in the wilderness near her home and abused and raped her. The fact that she was even found alive was a miracle in itself.

A week and a half ago, on December 10, that man was finally convicted. His wife was also convicted in November 2009. (You can read more details about the story here.)

The Abductor, Brian David Mitchell

I have seen Elizabeth's Oprah interview, as well as some short clips from other media interviews. She handles herself with such grace and dignity. She remains firm in her faith.

"Elizabeth Smart told reporters Friday that she was "thrilled" that Brian David Mitchell had been convicted in her kidnapping. "I hope that not only is this an example that justice can be served in America, but that it is possible to move on after something terrible has happened," she said." (From AOL News)

I don't know what issues she is dealing with on a personal level. I know she has been in counseling. But from what I can see, she is happy and at peace. She isn't angry. She is moving on with her life and seems successful. She, my friends, is resilient. 

Don't you find that remarkable?! I certainly do. I would love to sit down to lunch with her and ask her, woman to woman, how she is doing. 

If she can succeed in life after the horror of her experience, surely I can put together the pieces of my own life.

Who are your heroes? Is there someone the inspires you to be your best or someone you want to be like?

Rachel

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