Maguire here.

Watching TV just casually the other day. Guy on a talk show asked two provocative questions. Who are your heroes? Who are your friends?

I ended up taking it very seriously…because in times like these, we’d all do well to focus on the answers to those questions.

Who is your hero? Take stock. Remember why this is your hero. Remember those qualities and characteristics and outlook that drew you to this, your icon of heroism in the face of trial and times that test your resolve. Go back and read that book or article or account that made the difference in your life because it gave you someone to emulate, to respect, to draw strength from above all others.

Your friend? I’m talking truest sense of the word, here. They say that if you have one friend you have more than most. At this stage of my life, sitting here amidst the chaos resulting from the current financial crisis, the questioning that arises with the onset of every new year and in view of the more serious threat of ARMAGEDDON re-erupting in the Middle East, I’m provoked to think long and hard about that bit of wisdom.

Who can you count on, regardless of the situation, to have your back — no excuses, drop everything, no questions asked. If you have even one of those, count yourself lucky…and never, ever lose touch with him or her.

Bottom Line? We could all use a friend. And we need our heroes now more than ever.

Mine was and is Winston Churchill – his leadership, his writings, his ability to communicate profound ideas and inspiration.  He changed the course of history — not just with military might or bombs or guns (although they did figure prominently into the mix), but by getting us to think. Of course he was flawed. He ate too much, drank too much, smoked too much, was plagued by depression…he wasn’t perfect. And to me, that’s what makes him a hero.

The friend part is harder. There are many, many people that make the list of those I know and love and respect.  But when it comes to who I would call if I was stuck on the Interstate at two in the morning and I was out of gas…or who I would call to be by my side if – God forbid – one of my children was dying…I guess I’d say “Don’t follow me, I’m lost.”

Of course, my loving wife, Carmel would be there. But as to that brother or sister I never had? I’ll have to get back to you on that one.

The truth is there are people in this world that I am a friend to that don’t even know it. And there are more that fit into a vast number of other friend niches in my life.

I still call guys I grew up with around this time of year. Old neighborhood guys. Guys I played stickball with and got into trouble with and washed cars with. I call them out of the blue and they’re so surprised and pleased and gratified. They bless me. They tell me about things I did that enriched their life. And I return the blessing.

They lift my spirit, validate me, lift my spirit to new heights. That’s important, not just because it makes me feel good, but because it gets me back on track. Makes me go home and make a list again. I got a lot of work to do!

It’s important, you know? It’s important that we don’t go through life without a friend, without a hero. We need them.

Re-discover your heroes. Think about the people you haven’t talked to in awhile.

Make that call.

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