Bethany Hamilton

(http://www.grindtv.com/athlete/bethany-hamilton/ ())

Bethany Hamilton explained "I have this thought every second of my life-Why me? Not negatively, like why did this terrible thing happen to me? But more like "Why did God choose me and what does He have in mind for me?" You never know why bad things happen to good people. Bethany is an exquisite athlete that always has a positive attitude even when things go bad. Bethany Hamilton was born on February 8 1990, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Her father Tom and Cherri Hamilton both worked in the food business. Her two brothers, Noah and Timmy are both older than Bethany. Their entire family has been surfing for many years. Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing off Kauai's north shore. She lost 60% of her blood and nearly bled to death. Not only did she lose blood, she also lost her left arm. She was attacked on the North side of Tunnels Beach in Kauai. It was Halloween morning 2003, when Bethany became a victim of a vicious shark attack. A true hero must possess integrity and the willingness to face their fears. Bethany never gave up no matter what, and she got back into the water after the attack. Bethany Hamilton possesses optimism and braveness; therefore she is a true hero.

Bethany Hamilton is a hero because even though she had fears, she still got back into the shark infested water; this shows how brave she is. Bethany Hamilton was attacked by a shark on October 31, 2003 and astonishingly got back into the water after the near death experience. "Miraculously, just one month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water to continue pursuing her goal to become a professional surfer. In January of 2004" (Hamilton, Bethany: shark). Bethany was brave because even though she was afraid she still got back into the water. She was scared at first but then she conquered her fear and got back into the water. Bethany was even brave enough to get back into the water and continue surfing just a few weeks after the attack. "At Thanksgiving time, she got back in the water and surfed." (Hamilton, Bethany: biography). Even though Bethany might have been afraid she still got back into the water and faced her fears. As soon as her stitches were taken out she got right back into the water. Bethany is brave because she did the impossible. No one thought that she could get back on her board or surf again because of her lost arm and how scared she should have been. Bethany got back on her board even though she had fear of failing.

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           Bethany Hamilton is a hero for being so morally strong though all of her experiences. When Bethany was attacked she was with her best friend, Alana, and her family. She just wanted them to help her get back to the shore. "Bethany said in a loud but not panicky voice, "I just got attacked by a shark," and started paddling toward shore." (Hamilton, Bethany: Shark). Bethany did stay calm throughout this whole incident. She was not loud or panicky, she was just simply calm and in shock. Everyone was amazed by how strong she was throughout this incident. Even her doctors were amazed at how she got through the mental part of this incident. "Lifeguards and doctors believe her strong water sense and faith in God helped get her through the traumatic ordeal."  (Hamilton, Bethany: Biography). Even after the attack she was somewhat afraid but she found god and he led her through it. The lifeguards and doctors led her through this trauma and supported her. Bethany was morally strong throughout her entire experience.

(http://www.myhero.com/go/hero.asp?hero=B_Hamilton_bullcr_hs_06_ul ())

          Bethany Hamilton is a hero for being so optimistic in how she looked at the bright side of things. Bethany just wanted to live a normal life; she wanted to get back to how it used to be; surfing almost every day with her family and friends. "Bethany was on her way to recovery with an unbelievably positive attitude." (Hamilton, Bethany: Shark). She just wanted to look at what she could do without her arm instead of looking at what she couldn't do. She didn't want to get back in the water at first but after her faith stepped in she realized that her lifelong dream is to be a professional surfer. Bethany admitted that she needed help not only from her family but from God.  "I was going to need help from someone much bigger than myself if I was ever going to get back in the water."  "Bethany prefers to focus on what God has allowed her to do in picking up the pieces of her old life and adjusting to the new one." (Hamilton, Bethany: Biography). Because Bethany trusted God, he led her in the right direction and she knew to look at the bright side. After Bethany was attacked she didn't want to get back into the water. A little while later, she realized her dream was to become a professional surfer. She did what no one thought that she could do. She didn't look back at all the negative things; she just kept going and looking forward to the future.

            Bethany did not know why God chose for this terrible thing to happen to her, but eventually she realized that it wasn't a curse, it was her destiny. Bethany is brave because she got back into the water after the shark attack. She is morally strong because she did not doubt herself the whole time. She is also optimistic because she looked at the bright side and not at the bad side. Bethany did the impossible even with her disadvantage. I grew up surfing and always had a fear of sharks, but she taught me to face your fears instead of running from them. Throughout life each one of us is faced with challenges, you can either take the risk or not. Would you rather live life wondering what could have been, or live life saying I cannot believe I did that?

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