Dad

There are many types of heroes. Some are heroes due to their immense amount of courage during a tough time, or a leader who led the people out of their troubles. But to me, a hero doesn't necessarily have to meet those "requirements." To me, a hero is a role model. Someone who you aspire to be as, someone you can relate to. They're sort of an image of how good comes out of the bad situation you're in. So to me, the person who fills my criteria and definition of a hero, is my dad.

My father was born in the city of Manila, located in the Philippines. His family was also big and very religious, containing 6 siblings, with my dad being the youngest. But although the it may sound like a big, happy family, it wouldn't last long for him. At the age of 5 years old, his dad died. If I was in his place, it would be way too much for me, especially at five years old. Even with the support of a big family that prayed many times, it would be very tough for me to go through. But seeing my dad get through and is where he is now without a father unlike me, it shows me how determined and how strong his heart was at a young age for him

How a hero acts may be a factor of how they are remembered, but that's not the real reason you remember them. You remember a hero because of their actions. Actions that are either brave or wise, they can still be remembered as heroic. And a heroic action that makes my dad a hero to me, is how he acts wise with others and me. Sometimes when I don't take the time to understand my dad's reasoning, I think what he's saying is somewhat stupid. But as soon as I realize what's actually going on, what the situation is, I completely understand. When I was younger, I'd want a brand new game, instead of a pre-owned one, which would run about twenty dollars cheaper. And my dad would say "No, just get the cheaper one so you can get another one sooner," but silly young me pouted and pouted. But as soon as my young boy brain kicked in and had the realization of more leftover money means more money towards another game, I was simply amazed. So when I was taught the importance of money and practicality at this young of an age, it sort of carried and got more advanced when I got older. So my dad being a wise teacher, is why he's such a hero to me as I'd learn not too many things without him.

Now, my dad being my dad makes him very important to me. But with him being a mentor, leader, and hero to me, it sort of adds him on a higher pedestal of importance. Without him, I would take many things for granted, such as my own dad, but with him being there and experiencing not having for most of his life, he taught me to never take things for granted. Especially family. He's taught me what's actually a priority in your life, and what's an optional pleasure. Without him I'd be very distracted by the smallest of things, and for that is why he is important to me

My father may not be a literal "knight in shining armor," but he sure is my hero. And instead of just being there for one occasion, for me he's always there. He's there when I need him, even when I think I don't. He's taught me more than I could learn from school, and also showed me the priority of some petty items and the importance of family. But besides all that, he's a role model, a teacher, and to me most of all, a hero.