Heroes of Hollywood vs heroes of real life

There's a big difference between the two.

You see, heroes of Hollywood are always handsome, young, strong men. In real life, heroes can range from people 76 years of age, to men in their early 20s. And they don't have to be handsome too.

Heroes of Hollywood hardly die at the end of the show. There's probably only a handful of those who did. These Hollywood action movie figures can duck under bullets, run through burning buildings, escape explosions, fight 10 people at one time (and win also), and so, so much more. In real life, most heroes don't live to see their success, and dodging bullets? - don't be kidding me!

And of course, at the end of the show, Hollywood heroes always end up with a beautiful girlfriend. In real life? Nah!

As we mourn the death of the 32 innocent people who died in Monday's Virginia Tech Massacre, we should honor and never forget those who died as heroes that day.

Waleed Shaalan. On the day of the shooting, Allahyarham was sitting in the front row of the lecture room when the gunman, Cho Seung-Hui, entered and opened fire. Br. Waleed was wounded from a shot and laid beside another student who was not shot, but played dead. The gunman re-entered the classroom for the second time to check for survivors. Upon approaching the unshot student, Waleed purposely made a movement to distract Cho and was shot a second time and died. The student believed that Br. Shaalan purposefully distracted the shooter to save him. May Allah bless him, place him with those who died shaheed and grant him eternal peace in Jannah. Ameen.

Professor Liviu Librescu. The professor threw himself in front of the shooter and shouted for his students to run. He was able to prevent the gunman from entering the classroom until his students had escaped through the windows. Librescu was struck 5 times. Many of his students claimed that their lives were saved because of him.

Both were very courageous men. They died so others could breathe another day. They did what others wouldn't even imagine of doing. These men, died as true heroes.

It may seem too much a movie. Like one of those Hollywood action movies you watch on television. But no, these incidents truly happened. And two men did die as heroes. After all, this is America. Things of similar situations happen every once in a while. Even Vandy has had it's share of crime. Shootings, rape, theft, and robbery. This is just what makes America, America.

In loving remembrance of brother Waleed Shaalan who died courageously. Ina Lillahi wa ina Ilayhi rajeoon. We ask Allah to forgive Waleed all his sins and grant him paradise. Ameen.

Please donate to support the family of Br. Waleed Shaalan at: http://www.msanational.org/finance/vt07donate.html