Ten years ago, as a senior in high school, my life changed forever.

My grandfather, who I naively thought was invincible, randomly had a heart attack.

It was scary because – other than my other grandfather passing away from cancer – it was my first realistic look at what could have been death.

Though, I knew that no one lives forever, it forced me to accept the fact that my loving grandparents were human, too.

During the events of the day, he almost died on us several times as he was shocked multiple times in an ambulance on the way to Baptist, and then again at the hospital.

Throughout the whole process of recovery, my grandfather was a true hero.

No matter what he was always asking people to take care of his family, if he didn’t make it.

I’m still moved to tears at the selflessness of the situation.

During my senior year, our English teacher handed out an assignment about heroes, and we were all instructed to formulate a presentation about our hero.

Naturally, I chose my grandfather.

Through teary eyes, I gave my account of his gallant attitude and concern for his family.

Late this summer, my family was met by another obstacle for my grandfather, this time in the form of a stroke.

This one knocked him down a bit, but he’s getting better.

Throughout it all, he’s had the most wonderful attitude about it all.

He’s been a trooper – diligently going above and beyond in his physical therapy and keeping his usual rhetoric going.

Those of you who know him, know what I’m talking about.

He’s part serious, part smart alec, part comedian, but he’s good as gold.

He’s always carrying on about something, especially with my 4-year-old.

My daughter thinks he hung the moon, except on occasion, when she’s “not his girl.”

Ten years later, he’s still my hero.