Two weeks ago, James Shaw Jr. went into a Waffle House in Tennessee and his life was forever changed. He was not planning on going to that place, but the first one he went to was packed. When he got there, a crazed man walked into the restaurant and shot it up. Shaw bravely was able to get wrestle the gun out of his hands, even though he was grazed by a bullet, and save several more lives. After the news got out there, he was immediately declared a hero. Something he denied that he was, but encourages people that an average guy can save the day.
When Shaw got out of the hospital, he started a Go Fund Me page for the four people who did not make out that night to raise money to pay for their funerals. So far he has raised over $200,000. If that is not a hero, then I do not what is. He is what every human should strive to be. Brave, humble and charitable.
Ever since we found out his story, we have all thought what can we do for him to pay him back. Today, Ellen DeGeneres found a way to do just that. She invited Dwyane Wade, his favorite NBA player, on her show to meet him. The basketball player told Shaw that he tells his kids about him. He does that because he sees this hero as a role model.
I also find Wade to be a role model, not only did he fly out to LA just to meet Shaw, he also drove up and surprised the kids from Parkland at their school. He uses his fame for good, which is why he is a favorite! Miami puts out caring sports stars and that is a good thing.
Not only did DeGeneres get Wade to surprise Shaw, the two of them donated a combined $40,000 to his charity that brings awareness to mental health issues. Again, if anyone is a hero, then it is James Shaw Jr. Tell your kids about him because we really do need more people like this admirable man.
