Hero

September 26, 2025, 8:15 a.m.

The gym was alive with music:

"I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter

Dancing through the fire

'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar..."

One by one, the school’s heroes marched in. Then I saw her - my daughter - walking in with the group. I could tell she was nervous, surrounded by so many people. And yet, the moment she spotted us, she broke into a run straight toward us. In those seconds, as her silhouette grew larger and larger, my eyes filled with tears.

Memories came rushing back.

Today my daughter was named a School Hero - for the second year in a row. As a first grader, she was chosen for working hard, being kind to friends and teachers, helping classmates, and even cleaning up after others.

Of course, I feel proud. But more than that, I feel humbled - because in many ways, she has become my role model.

When she was diagnosed with autism at age three, I feared there was no light ahead. I’ll admit -there were times I complained when progress felt painfully slow.

But she never did. Not once.

Through countless therapy sessions, she showed up. She worked hard every single day, without complaint. She embraced challenges most adults would struggle with - and did it with patience and resilience far beyond her years.

Looking back, I see clearly: it was her quiet strength that carried us through

So yes, being named a School Hero is an honor. But the greater honor is mine - getting to witness her journey, learning from her spirit, and being reminded every day that transformation is possible when we keep showing up with courage and kindness.

She is not just my daughter. She is my Hero.