My Hero

MY HERO
By: Bri Eldredge



Who is my hero? Blank slate. I shut my eyes, squeezing them tight until I see stars.
Nothing.
But sometimes my brain is smart. It thinks of what a hero is. I wonder if I have a hero. If I did, what would that person be like?
My brain gets excited and rapidly thinks.
‘Slow down’ I gently command my brain.
I grab a pen. I start to write…
My hero is someone who is always there. A splendid listener, they are always aware when I am having a tough day. They know the exact words to say, and know even better which words are better left unspoken. They would give the most meaningful hugs, never abusing that comforting assurance. They would stand up for me, yet know when it is essential to let me fight on my own.
This person would be my best friend. The older brother I’d always hoped for. He would know my fears, dreams and sorrows like the back of his hand. He would make me want to be a better person. We would cheer each other on and seek out inspiration that slowly leads to our changing the world… We would change the world.
My hero would be such a person that does quiet deeds that nobody ever finds out. He shows kindness, integrity and love in all that he does. Yet, he would be strong, defiant and solid. He wants to see me succeed, and therefore encourages me to be my best. To never give up and reminds me to smile. He teaches me not to slack. Not one of my ambitions- be it small or large- are “just a dream” to him.
He’d always be there to play catch with, race me, have a Butterfinger milkshake with tons of whipped cream, face my fears and have intelligent conversations with. He would teach me how to do a back flip and then let me think I can do one better than he can. We’d make cookies loaded with chocolate chips together and picturesquely sit Indian style in front of the oven, making sure our masterpiece didn’t burn. We’d spent the next day sick from eating too much cookie dough. At Wal*Mart, we’d pretend we’re British. We’d yell at the biased Ref at a football game together. We’d get up at 5am one morning just to see the sun rise. And we’d spend a night marveling at the brilliant canopy of stars just above us…

Now my brain thinks of what the world views as a hero. Those heroes save the day and rescue the princess. And for once, I agree with the world.
You see, my hero would rescue me and save the day just like Superman. Just in ways apparent to me. Especially for me; publicly unnoticed. That’s why he would be my hero. My hero…
So sometimes, when I lay in bed, brain relentlessly tossing around thoughts and ideas, I ask myself. Does such a person even exist? Am I merely asking too much?
I don’t have to think too hard. I do have a hero.
My best friend.
He is my hero.

THE RAINBOW OF ZEUS AND APHRODITE

Aphrodite sat in misery, and nobody knew why. At least none of them understood why. After all, she was the most beautiful Goddess. She was at the very realm of beauty. She had everything and more than any woman could ever wish for. The men buzzed around her like bees over the very last drop of honey. Yes, Aphrodite should be most content. Yet, day after day she moped around as if the world lay on her shoulders. One day, her mother, Dione had had enough. In a cloud of confusion andhopelessness she went to Zeus for advice.

“What brings you here, dear Dione?” Zeus asked as he sat upon his mighty throne.

“Our precious daughter, Aphrodite sits in misery day in and day out. She has everything anybody could ever wish for, yet she sits around in a distraught state. She has quickly become a common topic for gossip. I am worried she has become so vane she isn’t satisfied with what she has been blessed with.” Dione nervously fingered her shawl.

“I see…” Zeus ran his fingers through his beard as if inspiration to this seemingly impossible question could be found. “Dione, I think it is time we release a beauty that has been kept from us and the earth. And Aphrodite just might be the on to unleash this unheard-of beauty…”

Gray. Black. White. Gray and white. White and black. Gray and black.

Anything would look stunning on her, Aphrodite knew that. But if only she had something a little more spicy possible even enticing to show off. After all, she was visiting her father in a few short hours. Zeus was a mighty God and Aphrodite wished to please him. She sighed as she plopped herself on her plain gray, white and black bed. Everything looked drained. As if life itself had been sucked out of everything. A life that had never had the opportunity to bloom. A life that was seemingly determined to never present itself. Aphrodite longed for a beauty that would affect everything. Something that would change the lives of not only the Gods and Goddesses but also that of the mortals down on earth. But what could she do? Yes, she could share her beautiful physical attributes but that only brought greed, pride and endless jealousy. For days this had bothered Aphrodite. She was well aware that the Goddesses were gossiping heavily about her. They presumed she was selfish and not satisfied with everything she had. Yet greed was the last thing Aphrodite was encountering. However, instead of telling the Goddess gossip circle of her selflessness, she planned on showing them and serving along with that a nice big serving of humble pie. Now if only she could figure out a way to share the beauty… Zeus might have an idea, and while he had summoned her that night, she might as well bring up her concern to him. Yes, Aphrodite just might get an answer that night.

“Aphrodite! My angelic daughter!” Zeus welcomed his daughter into his spacious haven.

“Good evening, Father Zeus.”Aphrodite was noticeable nervous, and Zeus’s welcome calmed her nerves a bit.

“Your mother, Dione has come to me informing me of your discomfort. Bring to me your burden, daughter.”

So Aphrodite told her loving father of all her worries and he dream to bring a light into the world. Zeus listened with an open hear and when Aphrodite was done pouring out her desires Zeus smiled broadly at his handsome daughter.

“Aphrodite. You have done well. Your wish is genuine and I grant you the honorable privilege of bringing color into the world and into our lives.”

“Color…?” Aphrodite asked curiously.

“Allow me to show you…” Zeus powerfully cast a burst of sunlight down to earth followed by a lightning bolt. He then handed Aphrodite a chest. She carefully opened it. Inside was the most stunning dust he had ever seen. It was neither gray, black nor white- yet it sparkled. She couldn’t describe it. It was just so… beautiful!

“Spread the beauty, Aphrodite.” Zeus’s voice boomed throughout the corridors.

So Aphrodite did. The heavens opened up and she released the exquisite powder. A gorgeous arc spread across the sky, the different colors taking their rightful places. The strands were majestic. The water droplets fell to the earth. As each on hit the ground a new burst of energetic color erupted.

Aphrodite stared in fascination.

“What shall you call it?” Zeus asked, referring to the arc of color spreading across the sky.

“The rainbow of Zeus.” Aphrodite whispered. The faintest glimpse of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “The Rainbow of Zeus and Aphrodite.”