Altruism or Selfishness?

What is the normal response from someone who is being hailed as a hero for saving someone's life at the risk of their own?  "I was just doing my job."  "Adrenalin just kicked in."  "I'm not a hero.  I only did what anyone would do if they'd been there."  Some are uncomfortable with the recognition.  Some seem confused, as if they truly don't understand why it's such a big deal.  Some, of course, bask in their well-deserved glory.

What is the normal response from someone who is a caregiver?  "I just wanted things to be normal and comfortable, so I sacrificed a bit."  "I've been blessed, so I just want to pass it forward."  "I wish I could have done more."

Heroes are made, not born.  Arguably, caregivers are born, not made.  The difference between the two is urgency.  The person that jumps into the water to extract people from a sinking car understands that time is of the essence.  There is no time to worry about self.  Do it, or people will die.  Deal with consequences later.
The person that gives to others has more time to consider the impact to him/herself before taking action.  No one is going to die immediately.  He/She has time to ask questions.  Do I have time for this?  Can I afford this?  Is it worth it to me?
The differences should be obvious.

There are people in my life who want to count me as one of their blessings because I have helped.  I spent money or gave time and support, but I have never risked my life for them.  What I do, I don't do out of altruism.  I do what I do because I'm selfish.  It makes ME feel good for helping THEM.  I imagine myself in their shoes and do what little I can to help out.  I'm not rich.  Not even a little!  I have physical limitations which make me more of the problems than the solutions, but I understand that the rest of my life is short, and I want to make the world just a little bit better for having been in it.   Right now, I am probably taking more than I am giving.

I'm no hero.  I understand my limitations all too well.  I don't live a lavish life, but I still feel blessed enough to help others when I can.  It isn't altruism; it is pure selfishness to make my life feel useful in my old age.  Fading into the woodwork as not needed by anyone is the kiss of death.  I can't bear it.  I'm not enabling anyone because the folks I am helping aren't engaged in destructive behaviors.  I'm just happy to make tiny differences in their lives.  Each time I do makes a tiny difference in mine.

So please...understand that I do what I do for me, not necessarily for others.  Get it?