It's hard to find a real hero these days. People are worshipping pro athletes that are little more than thugs, Movie stars worshipped till they think they are a god. More bad examples are looked up to than good ones can be found. But we have one in our midst.
I'm 2 years older than Michael Patterson. What makes me so special that I sit here fairly healthy & broken all the rules for most of my life & can do pretty much what I want while he suffers his torment. Not knowing what tomorrow brings. Struggling for the next breath.
But Michael has some things that the rest us don't have or may not have enough of. I admire the fact that Michael can sift through the quagmire that he struggles through every day & can find the blessings in his life. I admire his attitude during this trial. I admire his enthusiasm for life & his zeal to get his message out. I admire his faith in God & his knowing exactly his purpose here. Michael knows he has a future.
But you say anyone can do that when they're dying & have nowhere to turn. No, not just anyone can do it like Michael does. I've known others in the same boat & they just let it beat them. Resigned themselves to the fate of smokers everywhere. They just laid down without a fight & not caring if someone was watching.
I thought my message was strong & that I helped a lot of people. Beginning today I will try to absorb some of Michael's zest for life because it is contagious & help him carry that torch he has lit to show us the way. I've been blessed with too many things since quitting to be self-centered & just stay in my own little world. Michael has inspired me to be a better person. He has inspired me to look at my relationship with my creator. He has inspired me to be the best that I can be. Michael Patterson is my hero.
