The daily inspiration of capeless hero

I am 15 years old, and I believe heroes are found only in comic books or on the big screen. These figures of achievement and success glorify good deeds and bravery. Their efforts are acknowledged and their names will be remembered.

I am 16 years old, and I find out my mother is sick. She has Breast Cancer; it's weird for me to type that. The baton is now officially passed on to the third generation of women stemming from our family tree of this life threatening illness.

I watch as her glossy eyes scream fear, yet her mouth speaks, "I'm going to be OK."

Cancer now lives inside of my mother and there is nothing she nor I could have done to prevent it. Yet, she is graced with courage. A week goes by, and she still mirrors the same beautiful mother I have always known.

Two weeks with cancer and she is still driving me to school and still making me dinner.

Three weeks with cancer and she just announced her decision.

Courage.

In an attempt to remove all cancer for as long as possible, a double mastectomy is scheduled. My mother has chosen to remove the two physical features of her body that signify womanhood, and I find that brave.

I also find it terrifying.

Yet, I don't idolize my mom. An idol seems so unattainable, someone you may look up to, but you never truly know. One idolizes Rosa Parks for not giving up her bus seat and starting a movement. Teenage girls idolize Beyoncé for her undeniable talent and flawless complexion, because they will never really know her. She is seen as this image of superiority one may wish to be or know, but can never relate to.

One cannot truly connect with whom they idolize. It's not a relationship, and it is not authentic. We idolize because we worship.

My mother is worthy of more than worship.

The battle my mom is enduring is far more difficult than many of the experiences an average person has to go through. For that reason, I don't strive to be in her position, but aspire to handle adversity with the strength and determination she does.

I sit in class today with a perpetual tapping right foot, as her big decision is put to action. Why am I the nervous one? Putting aside her fears, my mom has the ability to keep my head in place.

Selfless.

Despite her desire to be at home, she is spending tonight in the hospital. Who needs a nurse when you have three children?

Patience.

My mom just got home, her upper half bandaged and swollen. Two breasts are now scars.

Sacrifice.

I am 17 years old, and I know what a hero is.

A hero is not an idol who receives worship and praise, or a leader who starts a nationwide movement. Heroic people are courageous. They take adversity by the hand and carry on with bravery and patience.

Their selflessness speaks volumes as they make sure you are OK during the hardest times in their lives.

A hero has the strength to make tough sacrifices to better their own future and the future of those they love.

Twenty-eight weeks without cancer and my mom is still the same beautiful woman she was before. She doesn't need a cape and mask to hide her true identity. Her heroism is her identity. It's who she is inside and out.

I wish there were another word to alternate hero with, given I've used it seven times in the past eight sentences, but I cannot. Real living, breathing heroes surround us at all times. Their daily actions may go unnoticed to the common eye, but their impact - limitless.

Lainey Simanek, of Long Grove, is a senior at Stevenson High School.