A Tale of Two Heroes

July 19, 2010

I'll never forget the day Maurice (the Rocket) Richard signed my hockey stick. 

I was 8 years old, in a long line up with other similar worshipers.  The Rocket had been brought in by the Rainbow Meat Market, just down the street from where my family was living at the time, on Montreal's south shore.

We breathlessly held our sticks aloft for the God of Hockey to scribble on. We gazed in wonder at the bruise under his right eye.  We discussed in whispered tones amongst ourselves about what 'the other guy' must look like after the Rocket must surely have returned that punch with at least twice the ferocity.

There's a statue of Mr. Richard on the Quebec side of the bridge that joins Hull and Ottawa, close to the Parliament buildings.  On an early morning run about a month ago, with the sun coming through the mist on the river and nobody else around, I paused there to pay homage to the legend.

He had inspired millions of us to drive for the net, to press as hard as we could, to not give up until we got the goal.

This week, right here on our 'home turf' in the Okanagan, two more young heroes were inspiring a whole new generation to reach beyond their grasp, to hold onto their dreams and not let go.

Duncan Keith, Canadian Olympic star, Stanley Cup winner, Norris Trophy holder was right here amongst us mere mortals, holding the Holy Grail of hockey.

The fact that he lived here, played hockey in our towns, went to our schools, makes our dreams seem somehow more attainable.

His message and his example are so important. He reminds us that dreams don't just happen.  To get there takes work, effort, practice, disappointments along the way and reliance on others.  These are messages we can certainly trumpet to our kids as their parents or coaches.

But nothing quite brings it home like seeing it and hearing from a guy who's living it.

Another young champion-hero was acknowledged among us this week.

Sadly, the accolades from the long lines of admirers were being presented not in a live performance, but at his funeral.

Makwala Marshall Derickson Hall was only 18 years old.

His dream was to be a World Champion Bull Rider. He was already well on his way to his goal.  He had qualified for the U.S. Finals High School Rodeo. He was well known already on the Pro Rodeo circuit.

Last week that all came to a crushing end as the bull he was riding delivered a death blow to his chest.  What did not come to an end and what will continue for generations, is his shining example of how to live life fully focused on reaching dreams and surpassing goals.

It was compelling stuff, listening to the various dimensions of the young rider, as seen through different eyes. 

Chief Robert Louie of Westbank First Nations spoke of Makwala's deep respect for his elders and his constant seeking of their advice.

Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Band read from a letter which Makwala had written to him as a sixteen year old.  The young man, though a boy at the time, wrote with the maturity of somebody much older.  He reflected on his love and devotion to his family, his community and to achieving his goals. All of this despite some hard knocks which life had already dealt his tender years.

These men reflected on the loss of a warrior, a champion, a mentor for a young generation.

An elder 'aunty', speaking for a heartbroken mother caused every eye of the thousand or so gatherers to moisten as she simply referred to the painful loss of her 'baby'.

Heroes. They're right here, all around us. Sometimes we don't realize it until it's too late. Other times we're privileged to applaud them on their well earned platforms.

At all times we are made better human beings if we allow ourselves to be challenged by their stories. 

From our own neighbourhoods, whether it's a Makwala, a Kristi, a Duncan or a Maurice, it's worth pausing every now and then by a misty river to allow a reflection of their pursuit of excellence to motivate our own.