We All Are in Need of Heroes

North Miami Beach, FL July 4, 2001 Aaron H.
Schectman

THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on issues, ideas and reflections on the times. Published now and
then, Opinions pro or con are welcome.
WE ALL ARE IN NEED OF HEROES
While riding my bike yesterday before sunrise I was listening to my new
audio course on the "Myths of Arthur" and thinking it quite nice that I
missed the next rain shower after cowering twice between sprinkles in
covered bowers. Then it happened. I tried maneuvering around a bus shelter
on Miami Gardens Drive and rode around it on the grass. The rain had washed
away the dirt under the sidewalk and the concrete was too high for the
bike's tire to mount it - so the bike fell with me taking a header.

A hero helped me. He was a park ranger named Sergio who stopped his truck
when he recognized me as the guy who paced him out of Greynold's park. He
saw me on the ground, pulled over and asked me if I was all right. I told
him the truth, NO; but then got up warily and saw only a scratched knee and
dirt on my hands and arms. So I told him there was no blood and I guess I
was o.k. He came around to my side of the street and parked on the grass
and helped me as I got my breath. He talked to me and I got back to myself.
My glasses had been knocked off but were fine. My gloves had protected my
hands but my right arm was covered by dirt and was scratched.

Sergio helped me by putting my bike into the truck and I got in beside him
and he drove me home - about five blocks. Clifton, our handyman, lifted the
bike into the back of my car where it is garaged. Two heroes had helped me.
My trip later to a doctor's office and x-rays showed no breaks. My right
hand was swollen markedly and had not yet discolored.
I wondered who helped the heroes in the Revolutionary War as the British
armies that were better equipped were besting them.

The course was interesting. The mythical Arthur of Great Britain was only
one of a number of heroes who helped establish the image of man on horseback
with sword flashing decimating enemies. Hector, a Greek was mentioned as
prototype but Samson could be another. They killed quite a lot. Their
mission as leaders was to inspire followers, promise booty and be looked
upon as the kind of guy to attract the best looking ladies. Arthur as a
prime example of the genre of heroes added romantic love and chivalry. More
on this as the course develops. Carol's Evaluation:10 out of 10.