Have you ever had a tune get stuck in your head to the point were it becomes annoying? I'm sure this has happened to you, probably more times than you can count. Once that happens, try as you might, you cannot stop it from playing over and over. It's a kind of entrapment that will eventually disappear, but even the first few notes can start those repetitious few lines again. Last week this happened to me yet again, but in a way it changed my perspective on the words I was hearing. The song was called "Heroes and Friends", and it was sung by country and western star, Randy Travis. One of the verses goes like this:

"Your heroes will help you find good in yourself. Your friends won't forsake you for somebody else. They'll both stand beside you through thick and through thin. And, that's how it goes with heroes and friends."

Nice tune. Catchy. But, when the music had finally left my mind the words remained. Heroes and Friends.

The friend part isn't so uncommon, and hopefully we are blessed with many in our lifetimes. But, 'hero' depends on your definition. We all know the outstanding ones like Superman, Sarge, Rocky, astronauts, famous scientists who gave us wonder drugs like penicillin, and unsung heroes during wartime. But it is rare indeed to find the combination of a hero and friend.

One such example is Wayne Gretsky and his father Walter. Wayne's dad was his hero from the very beginning, teaching him how to balance on skates before he could even shoot the puck. He was there for him during all his growing and school years encouraging him, traveling with him and always setting the example of high goals and honour. Wayne continues show those excellent qualities, and we are reminded of the special relationship of heroes and friends when we see him encourage those around him. So many young hockey players idolize Wayne as their hero.

This week I learned of another relationship that more than fills the criteria of a hero who is also a friend. In 2005 a North Vancouver firefighter, Erik Bjarnason, had made an ascent on Mt. Logan in the Yukon. Stranded on the mountain in a storm he suffered frostbite on his hands and eventually lost his fingers. He also lost his dreams of climbing and to do the work he loved as a firefighter. Still, he was determined to recover and make his way back. He determined to climb again, and fulfill his lifelong dream of conquering Everest. He founded the organization called "Courage to Carry On", a foundation to help other people with physical challenges to achieve their goal to climb. He is a hero and a shining example of the will to overcome.

Now, for the friend part. Daniel Fletcher, an 18 year old young man from Ft. St. John, had been outside with friends far too long in icy cold weather. He too, lost his fingers to frostbite. Despondent and frightened he lay in a hospital bed feeling that his future would be limited at best. His mother had heard the story of Erik Bjarnason, who had suffered the same injury and asked him to visit her son. With long hours and days of encouragement these two men bonded and became friends. Today they are preparing for the trip of their lifetimes - to make the ascent to Everest together. They'll do it, and for the greater part it will be because they have achieved an unusual level already. They are heroes and friends.

The song that was there too often still comes back when I least expect it. I will still hear the music, but now I can listen.

Dedicated to Danny Volrich, North Shore Search and Rescue, my friend and my hero.

On Gabriola, our Fire Department and Gabriola Emergency Social Services volunteers.

Heroes and Friends!

May 17, 2008