I shared with you folks some of the people who inspire me. I've never found nor looked for inspiration from professional athletes and the adulation that is generally given to celebrities turns my stomach. I find inspiration in the everyday Joe's and Jane's and how they handle adversity. Adversity will meet each of us at the door step one day, yet I believe that the manner in which you handle that adversity says a lot about you.

I naturally gravitate toward those people who when face with unexpected events, when life kicks them in the teeth, they sneer back and say, "That's all you got?" These are the folks who take control of life, external forces do not control them.

The second group of inspiring individuals are those who give with unquestioning generosity. I'm not talking about the philanthropist, though that is pretty cool in its own right. I am talking about the solider doing all that he can for a comrade. The father who tows his parapalegic son through a complete Ironman race so that the son can also experience the joy of the race. These folks give and tell you that it is no big deal because they get more out of the act than can be seen. The gift they give is magical and sacred.

I only pray that I too can be amongst the brave when adversity expects its due, and generous whether it does or does not.

If you have heros that inspire you, let me know and the wide-body community know. Please include pictures and we will honor these folks and revel in what makes them special.

email me at wide-body@wide-body.com