What is a Hero? As the New Year 2009 approaches, let us share the qualities people believe every hero should have. You don't need to wear a red cape or a secret cave to be a super hero. Instead, you can be a hero just by the selfless, authentic, and moral qualities you project onto others.

Heroes pursue justice without discriminating who they help.

As we think of the year 2008 that has now ended, it's a time to think of the everyday heroes who've touched our lives in the past twelve months, so that we are well aware to see those "everyday heroes" in 2009!

This is what some people say about a "real hero". 

1 - I look for people who are motivated to create a positive change, in a loving, non-violent, selfless way. These people strive to make a difference, whether they get anything out of it or not.

2 - A hero is one who has a hard passion to do good for people.

3 - There are so many different kinds of inspiring people, but when a person puts someone else's life above his or her own, that's the ultimate inspiring act that makes a hero.

4 - A hero is someone who cares enough, to do what needs to be done, without caring what other people may say or think, or if there may be danger. A hero also goes above and beyond, doesn't turn his or her head because it would be easier or convenient, and answers *calls for help* always.

5 - A hero is someone who is "idolized" by others for their openness, honesty, and humility. A hero is defined by actions that are rooted in a strong moral center. A hero knows what's right and what's wrong, but even when he doesn't, he is still willing and capable of correcting his or her mistakes.

6 - Being a hero is to be completely removing yourself from the equation, and helping only for the sake of helping.

7 - A hero is someone who inspires and shows remarkable compassion for others, it's giving selflessly of themselves.

...As we can see, not only Super Man or Wonder Woman are heroes...every man or woman of *good will* can be one too! Let's try to be and recognize him or her, the next time we meet one! Recognition, being grateful and thankful are the first steps for happiness. Let's make it a must for the New Year 2009!
Many Blessings!

Multiple Choice
Choose a meaning for the underlined Words or Expressions found in the Text 

1 - *Someone who touched my life* is:

a) To relate to something.
e.g. A critic in all matters touching the kitchen.

b) To affect with feeling or emotion (tenderness, pity, gratitude, etc.)
e.g. Their sufferings touched his heart.

c) A *touch and go* relationship
e.g. Their relation ended very soon, it was a *touch and go*.

2 - To go *above and beyond* is:

a) Go to a higher place.
e.g. To fly above the clouds.

b) Farther on than; more distant than.
e.g. Beyond the horizon; beyond the sea.

c) The call of duty, which means exceeding what a particular job requires. e.g. Putting in overtime, without pay, is *above and beyond* the call of duty.