What is a hero? Some may say an immortal like Superman, Batman or maybe someone like a fireman or police officer. My hero is doesn’t really fall into either category. He was neither immortal and definitely not a mere mortal. He will live forever even though he is no longer alive.

What is a hero?
a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability
b : an illustrious warrior
c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities
d : one that shows great courage
e : the central figure in an event, period, or movement
f : the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work

How can one man be all this? Trust me when I say he can…a man with great strength and ability; a man who fought hard and stood tall (as tall as a Downey can stand), a man admired by his parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and friends; a man who was courageous in the face of death; a man who was the center of many lives and a man who was a key figure in so many lives.
What is a hero? A hero is a man who is all of the above and more. A man who transcends the norm and truly left a legacy; a lasting imprint on this earth.
Who is this man? This man is my grandfather. The amazing and incredible, Howard “Buddy” Downey. On the anniversary of the celebration of his life, and in remembrance of his death, I say, “Thank you Grandpa for amazing memories and all you taught me over the years. I will never forget the joy I had knowing that sometime in May you would be driving down the road on your way home from Florida; peering over the counter and seeing your van was almost as good as Christmas morning. All your gardening tips and your 1001 ways to use vinegar will always be something I remember. So much of who I am is because of you. I love you and miss you.”
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