about the heroism of 9/11 that transpired on the water. I had never heard even a ripple of this part of the story until today. But for ten minutes I was transported too, buoyed by the altruism of sailors.

 

Boat owners responded to the call for help. They abandoned their own plans like a shed skin, for the chance to bring folks closer to safety. It didn't matter who they were or what they looked like. These ordinary heroes felt compelled to respond when Manhattan was engulfed in smoke. 

 

Sometimes people are surprised by their own willingness to step up in an emergency. When life calms down they are left with proof of their own pluck.

 

But more often life happens closer to home, with characters whose names we know. We may have the stuff it takes to carry a blind grandma over rough terrain, but how long does our magnanimity last with our spouse? How is it that we can put out 110% in a burst of adrenaline during a catastrophe, but a sustained effort with someone we actually love drains us dry?