Heroes' Departure

We all have our heroes. Those figures that lit a flame in us when we were young. Those inspiring figures that taught us, that modeled for us a different way of living. Showing us what is possible if we work hard enough and believe it is possible. Those athletes that train endlessly and perform great feats under the watchful eyes of thousands. Achieving so much, rewarded with titles and accolades. 

Those artists that help you see the world differently. Using film and other mediums to push important messages into their work inspiring us from the comfort of our homes or in the dark while their voice projected on a large silver screen. Hung on the walls of a gallery, lighted in a way that their message could come through clearly. 

Writers that create stories and characters, a world we can escape when our reality gets hard. The possibilities are that we create our own stories using their universe as a framework, with which we add and extend our own rendering. The relationship we build with their characters, made possible because they were manifested from the imaginings of another. Storytellers inspire other stories, because they put pen to paper in the first place. Because an artist put a brush to canvas.  

Throughout our lives, we’ve been influenced by these figures. Those that give us something to look forward to. Those tell us that when our lives get hard, it somehow gets better. Not only in their words, but in the way they live: modelling these messages in the way they live their lives everyday. These are the stuff that heroes are made of. Those that live in service of others, those that risk their lives so that others could live. Those that stand up for others and lend their voice to causes, philanthropy, politics and put pressure on society to do the right thing. 

Heroes come in all shapes and forms. People we can share space with and look directly in the eyes, and others might seem like we’re old friends or as a child's imaginary friend. It is devastating when our heroes die. Our worlds crack and crumble. The reality is that there will be nothing new to look forward to. No new art, or stories published with their name attached. No film to enjoy in the dark. Heart felt messages in reels circulating on social media platforms. It is sad feeling the loss of our heroes. It is one thing to feel the loss of when they retire. It is another when they leave the world, leaving nothing but their legacy behind. 

Since exploring the life of being a Grief Counsellor, I learned to celebrate our heroes. Having lost a few myself. I keep their names on my lips, I reflect on the life they had. The causes were important to them. I share their art with those important to me and invite them to view it with me. Share their work with the young, instilling their message into another generation. Hearing them quote my favourite lines from a favourite film that has become their favourite too. I do my best to model the things I've been inspired to do, I do my best to invite them into the room, and remember them in moments when I feel I need them. Open photo albums, memories on social media platforms when I need reminding.  

Heroes might not always be a celebrity, creating art, spreading a message or a cause. They could be figures you see everyday. They live the best they can, showing us we can too. If we believe we can, because they showed up for us, because they believed in us…