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My hero? Easy. Abraham Lincoln. Always and forever.
I admire his ambition to better himself, to learn to read and write
when so many of the population did not. To overcome the loss of his mother at
an early age and bond so readily with his stepmother. When his ambition led him
to run for office and eventually the Presidency, the country could not have
picked a better man during the worst time in this country’s history. It was a
place in time that required someone exactly like him.
Providence maybe?
 |
| Feb 1861 |
In four years, from 1861 to 1865, he aged from a hearty,
mature man in his best years to a bent scarecrow. Worries ate at him until his
bones showed through his skin. Too many decisions, too many against him. Vitriol
lashed him from political enemies and sometimes his generals. The deaths of his
sons, the loss of so many on the battlefields. How could it not weigh on his
mind?
 |
| March 1865 |
In the end, he might have felt the approach of death. Other
assassination attempts on his life had failed but Hate can manifest into something
almost visceral, an indescribably horrible burden.
Yet, he continued. Only by his will did he stand erect. Because surely the ambition of his younger days was long
gone.
Abraham Lincoln gritted his teeth and continued. Prevailed.
And
when he was killed, he truly “...Now belongs to the Ages.”
He did manage to get this country through it's darkest period. I'm sure the weight of the world did eat away at him.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. He was a remarkable human being and leader. Great post. :)
ReplyDeleteHave you ever read the book Lincoln on Leadership? It's amazing what he went through during that time.
ReplyDeleteI love this part: "I admire his ambition to better himself." That is truly the definition of a hero! Great post. :)
ReplyDeleteA most excellent choice. Other than to George Washington, I don't think our country has seen a stronger/better president.
ReplyDeletePresident Lincoln is a hero indeed. Thanks for participating and sharing!
ReplyDeleteHe's definitely one of my heroes. In fact, I blogged about him during the last A to Z (all about true heroes.) If ever there was a man to be inspired by, here he is. Love that guy.
ReplyDeleteUnleashing the Dreamworld
He was one awesome and amazing man. Providence indeed, I believe. Were it not for this wise man, our country may have never been brought back together. We visited Gettysburg this summer and found out that he was not the keynote speaker at Gettysburg. The press hated him,barely even covered that he was there. Fortunately, the people present were so moved and they made that little speech make history.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a life. Truly a person to look up to. I didn't know that about his mom and his sons. How strong he must have been to endure all that and keep fighting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great pick. Thanks for the details and enthusiasm. "Prevail" is the way through all things. :)
ReplyDeleteHe led a miraculous life, persevering and overcoming many great tragedies. Not many would have worked that hard for the good of humanity. An excellent choice for a hero.
ReplyDeleteIn general, it's amazing how much Presidency ages a person. Even Obama is looking much less healthy than he did when he went into office. I think the stress really takes its toll.
ReplyDeleteI echo Stephanie's words. Just the other day, I was looking at Obama and thinking, my word, the man's face looks so drawn and he appears 'frayed around the edges'...
ReplyDeleteThanks for highlighting President Lincoln. I've learned something new about him.
Thank you for participating in the Hero Blogfest!
He is a fascinating figure.
ReplyDeletePresident Lincoln is a worthy hero. :)
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excellent choice! he was a very wise man with a big heart. and he was ahead of his time with his ideals. hope things are well with you!!
ReplyDeleteI have always had a deep respect for Abraham Lincoln. The more I have learned about him the more amazing I think he is! What a great choice for your hero.
ReplyDelete~Jess