Ricks v. Heroes of 2010

Inspired by CNN's Heroes, I decided that for my usual year-end fanaticism with lists of "best of" or "top ten"s I'm going to make a list of the many heroes in my life. I've had a wonderful Christmas break this year, and it's given me some precious extra free time to think and reflect. I recognize now more than ever that I am not much of anything without the help I get through prayer to Heavenly Father. I owe so much more than I even know, and I come to know more and more of that debt each day. I also see clearly that God has placed people in my life for a reason, and I hope that I fulfill whatever reason that He has put me in theirs. Rather than just list off names or delve into too much of specifics, this list will take on more of a thank you card-style tone. *Warning: For readers who have a low tolerance for cheesiness, stop reading now.* Without further ado (except the present ado) and in no particular order (and some of these definitely apply to more than one person and more than one of these apply to individual people):

• You are my hero because you helped me to know a lot more about who I am, and helped me to open up in a way that I haven't in a long time.
• Your patience with me and ability to lift my spirits when I've felt pretty crushed astound me.
• Your ongoing campaign to get me to try new things, while often fought against, is not unappreciated. In fact the opposite.
• Your helpfulness in getting me through the end of my undergraduate degree was... helpful.
• Your prayers are so appreciated, and I wish that I made more time for you because you always make time for me.
• You are the fashion-guru that came to my rescue when I probably needed it most.
• You are always there to give me encouragement when I'm beating myself up.
• You are an example of who I hope to be.
• You helped me to learn stuff, and that's a feat.
• You really saved my bacon when I probably didn't deserve your help.
• Your ability to forgive my suckiness as a friend (and rude comments that I don't even notice) and to help me feel a bit more comfortable in the midst of a hard transition is most appreciated.
• Somehow, someway you're still my friend after all these years, and I can't thank you enough for all the cherished memories and for putting up with this old soul.
• You always can put a smile on my face.
• You've given me so much, set such a great example, and shown incredible endurance and I'll appreciate you forever for it.
• Your advice and inspiration mean more to me than you know.
• I can count on you.
• You always help remind me that I have people who care about me and that actually want to be with me.
• You helped me to get out of my house and live some life.
• There aren't adequate words to describe why you're my hero, but I know you're in my life for a reason, and you are my hero.
• You tell it to me straight. Such a rarity.
• You read this crap that I write for some unknown reason, but it makes a difference to me.
• When anyone says the word "patience" or the word "hero," I think of you first. You give so much to me, and ask so little in return. You inspire me everyday, and I don't have enough "thank you"s to satisfy all that you do for me, and have done for me.

Wow, I think I didn't even realize there were that many people that help me in my efforts to make something of this life when I had the idea for this list. And of course, there are many more that help in many other ways, but these are the first and foremost that I think of. Thank you. Even if you wouldn't dream of reading this entry and have no idea it exists, thank you.

Reading back through this makes me realize just how much I owe to you people. Looks like law school debt isn't the debt I should be most worried about after all. Ok, bye.