Who is Your Hero?

If you had the chance to meet one person, a person you wanted to meet more than anyone else in the whole world, whom would you choose? Oprah, perhaps? A musician, actor, composer, or a favorite author? What about a Nobel Peace Prize winner, or Billy Graham? Maybe it would be Bret Farve... there are so many influential people to choose from.

Let me tell you who I would choose to meet. Without a shadow of a doubt, my choice would most definitely be Greg Mortenson. Those of you who have been loyal readers of my blog will recognize his name; I post his quotes, or stories about his work, often. I call him the Three Cups of Tea Guy; you know, the former mountaineer/military veteran/builder of schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan... The Three Cups of Tea One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time, guy. The man who instantly became my hero as soon as I started reading the book. This is the book that I begged, pleaded, and challenged all of you to read.

Last Wednesday night, I had my breath taken away. I got to meet my hero. Greg was speaking in Duluth, and I was there, front and center. You see, this is what I chose to do to celebrate my 40th birthday. I had planned on going to Las Vegas to see Phantom of the Opera (a true favorite of mine), but as soon as I found out that Greg was going to be in Duluth, there wasn't a doubt in my mind as to what I would choose. My husband was thankful; I saved him a lot of money by going to Duluth for one night vs. Vegas for a few nights and a show!!!

Over 800 people gave a standing ovation to Greg Mortenson when he came onto the stage; obviously, there are many people who admire this man. He received another standing ovation when he was done speaking. I enjoyed every minute, and did not want the night to end. I kept trying to take everything in... every detail, every picture, every word.

An announcement was made that there would be no book signing following the speech due to the large number of people who showed up. The event planners had planned for a much smaller audience; the event had to be moved to the DECC to accommodate everybody! Needless to say, I was a bit sad that I wouldn't be able to thank Greg Mortenson for all that he has done, and to get him to sign my book. When everything was over, my friends and I hung out for a while. We saw Greg talking to some people on the stage. Oh, how I wanted to meet him! My friends started walking out. Too bad. Oh well, I was so incredibly thankful that I was able to see him, and hear his speech; that would be enough.

I was following my friend, Lisa, out the side door. She started walking up the steps to the stage. "You're going up there?!" Did I dare follow her? She looked me straight in the eyes and said, "I'm taking you to him." My heart started pounding. You've got to remember... this is my hero. This is the ONE person in the WHOLE WORLD I would choose to meet. This was my chance. I don't remember breathing. You see, my friend Suzee is the one who reminds me to breathe when I get anxious, and she wasn't with me. Well, we went up on stage, walked up to Greg, Lisa pulled me in front of her as she stepped back. That act of friendship alone, brings tears to my eyes as I type this. Lisa knows me so well... well enough to know that this was the greatest gift I could possibly ask for. She gave me the opportunity to meet my hero.

I'm not sure if I can even tell you what I said to Greg. How does one even convey, or speak adequate feelings and words when meeting one's hero? I felt like Charlie Brown's teacher... "BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH." I am sadly aware of my lack of profound things to say to this man. Oh well. I had the honor of shaking his hand, asking him to sign the cover of my book, and getting my picture taken with him. I look terrified in the picture; I was. Remember.... Suzee was not there to tell me to breathe.

I will never forget that day. As I have reflected on that special moment, there is something that overwhelms me. As much as I absolutely, 100% LOVED meeting a man I respect, honor, and admire, the thing that makes my heart overflow, is actually the act of my dear friend, Lisa. I have tears running down my cheeks as I am writing this. You see, I know she would have wanted to meet him. She read, and enjoyed his book as well. She gave up the chance of meeting him... she sacrificed that chance for me, and my dream came true.

Thank you , Lisa. This was my Cairo.

I feel very loved.