ManicDDaily

There is a tendency in this country to exalt the bravery of those who happened, very unfortunately, to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  For example, while there were in fact many heroes who died on 9/11, it always seems to me a bit strange to label anyone who happened to be in the towers that day a hero.  I say that not meaning to diminish the suffering of people who died then, or in other tragic circumstances, or  to diminish the loss of their families, or even to comment on their personal bravery.  It’s just that the term has gotten to be used rather automatically in tragic circumstances, perhaps because tragedy–great losses–tend to bring out a hyperbolic lexicon; we want always to enoble a terrible loss.

Giffords, however, seems deserving of this label–because she was so trusting, because she was (and seemingly is) so service oriented, because she lost so much and has worked so hard in her recovery, regaining so much, because of an ongoing attitude of faith and appreciation and because of incredibly inspiring things like this video.  It’s pretty amazing.  I wish her well in her continuing recovery.  May there be no more such terrible incidents in this country’s future.