I want you to take the little test that follows to show you something that I discovered when I took the test recently.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Best Actor and Best Actress Oscar winners.
3. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
4. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
5. Name the Stanley Cup winners for the last decade.

How did you do? The point is that none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields, but the applause dies and awards tarnish. In fact, their achievements are forgotten.

Now here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one.

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name the people you want to be with during the last hour of your life.

Was it any easier this time?

When I took this test, I learned that the people who make a difference in my life are not the ones with the most money, or the most awards, or the ones with the most credentials. The people who make a difference in my life are the ones who care about me and who were there for me when I needed them. I remember the special teachers who made a difference in my life. I remember the people who taught me worthwhile things. I certainly remember the people who made me feel appreciated and special. 

Question #6 of the second quiz was the one that really made me realize the people who have made a difference in my life. When I imagine myself during the final hour of my life, there are many people I would like to be able to transport to my bed side so that I can thank them for making my life so special.

Sure, I will continue to be impressed by the movie stars, the sports heroes, the billionaires and the rest of the celebrities, but when it all comes down to the end, the ones I will be most impressed with are the people who made a real difference in my life. The people who need no introduction, and who will never fade away from my memory.

So as we go through our individual journey of life, let us all pay more attention to those unsung heroes who will never share the world spotlight, but who light up our own life with a brightness that will shine forever. The teacher who believed in you when all others said you would never succeed. The coach who took that extra time to show you how to hold a bat. That special friend you can always count on to cheer you up when you are down. The stranger who was the only one who stopped to help you when your car broke down during rush hour. These are the real heroes in your life. 

Enjoy the world celebrities, but remember that not even all of their money or fame could ever place them on your own list of people who have made a difference in your life. Make sure you tell those people how much you care and how much you value what they have done for you.