Recently I heard it expressed: “Oh, how America needs some true heroes! It seems that there are none who overcome selfishness and temptation, and really inspire us with their strength, goodness and honor.”

It occurs to me that, perhaps, sports arenas, Hollywood and television are not the best places to find true heroes — perhaps idols, but, historically, idols have always been made of very fragile material … like clay. Under pressure, they tend to fall apart.

Sometimes you don’t have to undertake an exhaustive search for someone who will instill you with a new hope and inspiration. Every so often, there is someone just down the street, around the corner, or even in your own family, who, in the steadfast and courageous manner in which they cope with the hardships, pain and sorrow dealt them in this life, become true heroes in every sense of the word.

My neighbor, Wendell Morris, is such a person. Actually, our conversations have been mostly at street side, but it didn’t take long for me to recognize a man of strong and steadfast character. Wendell, a retired career Navy man, is a very interesting fellow with lots of fascinating experiences to relate. Unfortunately, for some years now, he’s been fighting cancer caused by asbestosis. At times, the side affects of the chemo and radiation therapy is agonizing.

Several times I have seen Wendell in the midst of this suffering, and I’ve been amazed at his attitude and demeanor at these times. He still has a twinkle in his eye, and even a chuckle or two and a wry grin as he relegates his discomfort to just an unpleasant task to be faced a day at a time.

The other day, I was talking to Wendell’s son, who moved to South Carolina some years back, sacrificing an excellent career in order to be with and take care of his ailing dad. I asked him how his dad was doing that day, and he answered that it wasn’t a good day by any means, as he had just undergone a radiation treatment. He went on to say that with all the suffering, emotional as well as physical, that his dad had to endure, he was just amazed at his willpower and strength of character. He also affirmed that he was very happy that he was with his father.

We talked a bit longer, said our goodbyes, then, as we parted, he turned again, and, with tears welling in his eyes, confided, “I can tell you one thing for sure, dad is my hero!”

“You’ve certainly chosen a good one,” I answered.

As I walked to my car, my own eyes were far from dry. As I drove, I thought of my own dad, and also my mother, and how honorable and sacrificial their lives had been. They have always been my greatest heroes.

I guess that we in America need more real heroes — those who show forth in morality, courage, sacrifice, honor and determination, and sometimes overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Such people tend to raise our hopes that God-given nobility and righteousness are still to be found, and show us by example that a higher standard can be achieved.

So, here in our midst, I am pleased to have met two unsung heroes that, through their strength of character and love exemplified through sacrifice, inspire us and raise our esteem for the human race in general.

Isn’t that what real heroes should do?

n T&D Columnist Rush Button can be reached by e-mail at buttonrl@aol.com. His column appears every Tuesday. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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