Every day acts of heroism.

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.
Arthur Ashe

The other day, I was hanging out in the front yard blabbing away on the phone with my gal pal, Laura.

As our conversation ended, I noticed a couple of teen boys pedaling by the house. They were older kids, doubled up on one little bike. I didn't see how this happened, but one minute they were upright and the next minute both boys were sprawled in the street.

My 10 year old and four year old daughters were with me at the time and both exclaimed, "Mom, did you see that?"

"Yup, I sure did." I replied.

I called over to the boys to ask if they were all right. One kid responded with a request for some bandaids, while the other just kind of stood there looking sheepish and slightly dazed. The girls and I disappeared into the house to get some bandaids and the injured boy stood on the front porch. He had dirt and gravel embedded in his bloodied hands.

"Why don't you come on in and wash the gravel out?" I invited.

"Thanks"

"The hand towel in the bathroom is clean and don't worry about getting it bloody." I hollered after him.

When he had finished washing up, I gave him a tube of antibiotic ointment and a huge bandaid to cover the gashes in his palm.

"Thanks so much!" he said, "I'm a drummer you know, and this is going to throw off my beat for a while."

"Yeah biting the pavement will do that to ya." I replied.

"Thanks again and have a great night!" and off he went.

"Hmmmm, he was cute!" said my four year old.

"And very polite" commented the ten year old.

The four year old was quiet for a moment and then she said, "Mom, you were a hero to that boy."

I don't necessarily believe myself to be a hero; but I do believe that the world abounds with opportunities for everyday acts of heroism. More often than not, these moments require very little of us. After all, what did I do? All I did was offer a kind word, access to some soap and water, and a bandaid.

Does it get any simpler?