My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

We didn’t bring much to our marriage. Well not in the way of “things" - Love and dreams and happiness were abundant but the sum total of personal belongings carted to our small furnished one-bedroom apartment fit into a single car load. The wedding gifts, which we sorely needed, had been delivered, unwrapped, to our new home by our loving parents while we were on our honeymoon.

Among Dale’s belongings however was a black 3 ring binder. Upon inspection as I put things away, I saw that it was filled with articles from newspapers and magazines about people. People as different as could be. I couldn’t find a connection between them as I quickly scanned the pages.

Intrigued I asked and he replied, “Oh that’s my book of heroes!” And he took the book with a loving respectfulness and showed me each page.  It was then that I found out that my new husband’s first real heroes were cowboys dating from the time he was 5 years old. It was on his 6th birthday that he received a large box among his presents. He said he was so excited, so hopeful, but also so very afraid that he would be disappointed if it wasn't what he'd longed for that he actually waited a few minutes to tear off the ribbon and rip through the colorful wrapping paper. But his birthday wish came true! The box contained chaps, a neckerchief, a cowboy hat, two six shooters in a leather holster and…wait for it….wait for it…..BOOTS...with spurs!  Just like Hopalong Cassidy.

I asked him why cowboys were his heroes and he said it was simple…They were always the good guys.

Many heroes were to find their place in his book over the years. Articles were carefully clipped and urged into plastic inserts and snapped into place. In later years the articles were copied and simply tucked into the binder's front pocket as the binder ring was filled to capacity.

Just last night I came upon his Book of Heroes as I was perusing the book case for something good to read. And it’s clear as I read through the musty old articles collected over 60 long years of his life, that the common thread among all of these people was that they were all good guys, dozens of them, every single one - a good guy.

None of them wore capes, or wielded Rambo-like weapons, none of them had super hero powers.

•   Some were rich financially and did wonderful works of humanitarianism with compassion and sympathy
• Some were poor financially but from their humble situation did wonderful works of caring and helping with compassion and empathy.
•  Some determined a need in the world and created a solution.
•  Some had illnesses but inspired others to live their best.
• Some were athletes who rose through all kinds of trials to succeed.
• Some had Lot-like trials but never lost faith or the ability to smile in order to brighten someone else’s day.
• They were all people who worked hard and had integrity.

And so I carefully and even a bit reverently close the old book and sit back in my chair thinking; “Well this proves it – you become like your heroes”.

And I can honestly say I married one of the good guys.