An Unexpected Hero

When I was a kid, we always had those assignments where they ask "Who is your hero?" or "Who do you look up to the most?" Of course, just like every angelic child, I always said my parents, or some kind of gospel related answer. And don't get me wrong-those people ARE my heroes, and the main people I look up to. But lets face it, all of us have looked up to someone else who we may not know-perhaps a celebrity who gives lots to charity, or a fictional superhero like Superman or something. I am finally admitting my other-then-family-or-gospel-related hero.

So here's the thing. It is common knowledge that I love law and order-any one, you name it, I love it. But my favorite is the original. Whether its Lenny and Detective Green, or Alexandra or Selena, I love almost all the detectives and D.A's. They have great chemistry and give various perspectives and views on current and controversial events.

But still-the man who makes the show is Jack McCoy. I love him. He makes the calls no one else has the guts to make even when it puts him in a bad light, if he truly believes that it is the right thing-he always strives to do the right thing and let an equal measure of justice and mercy apply as he directs his cases. He always tried to puts himself in everyone elses shoes before he makes his decision. This means that he speaks for the victims. He is often emotional in his cases, yet he does not let raw, misguided, hot headed emotion be the ruling factor in his cases. He uses both his heart AND his brain and logic when he both makes decisions and speaks to the jury in proving his case. He is often the target of doubt and censure-not only from his peers and enemies, but from his own mind. I think that is healthy-a person who can admit that they are wrong or could have handled something better, learn from it, analyze their behavior and then move on and try to be improve. His behavior shows a level of self awareness and humility that is important, and yet he is still brave and aggressive when it counts. To be perfectly honest, I have not always agreed with his decisions. Sometimes we are on polar opposite sides of the spectrum and sometimes we are dead on the same-but love him or hate him, you have to respect him and I think that is an admirable quality.

Now, I know they have just recently ended this particular venue of the show [which not gonna lie led me to tears when I first found out]. But just like any hero, the lessons Jack McCoy [brought to life the way only Sam Waterston can..] has taught me will stay with me forever. You know; I trust Jack McCoy. I hope someday, when I retire, somebody will feel the way about me the way I feel about Jack McCoy- both respected, and missed.

So now you know. Who were your secret hero's?