A playschool teacher in Mexico was hailed as a hero last year when she ordered the children in her classroom to lie on the floor and sing a Barney song as bursts of gunfire erupted outside their school. She kept the scared children calm by reassuring them that nothing bad was going to happen to them. Outside, drug cartel members were executing five people. That takes courage…. something the captain of the stricken cruise ship, Concordia, who “accidentally fell into a lifeboat” while his passengers had to fend for themselves, seemed to sorely lack.

It’s not every day we get the opportunity to rescue someone from a burning building (unless we’re a fireman) or save someone from drowning in an angry sea (unless we’re a lifesaver), but we do have daily opportunities to shine in a less extraordinary fashion. Come to think of it, there are countless unsung heroes who should be praised for what they do. They get up early every morning to make sure their children get to school on time – no easy task! And then they brave rush hour traffic to make it to work on time; and then do it all over again for the homework, supper and bedtime routine. It’s not nearly as dramatic as pulling someone from a burning building, but it does take a measure of heroism – and perseverance – to be a good parent in a busy world. You see, a hero is someone who is admired not only for their brave deeds, but also for their noble qualities. Your children may have little clue as to how much you are sacrificing for them, and will likely only truly appreciate what you’ve done for them when they’re adults themselves, but you are nevertheless performing one of the greatest services to humanity. Keep going!