Leap of Faith.

I am both inspired and humbled by the actions of this week's hero, Wesley Autry.

Wesley Autrey, the construction worker and Navy veteran, faced a big decision in a flashing instant this week. Do I jump onto the tracks infront of a speeding NYC subway train to save the life of another human being? He got his answers almost as quickly.

Mr. Autrey was waiting for a subway in Manhattan as he was taking his two daughters, Syshe, 4, and Shuqui, 6, home before work. Nearby, a man collapsed, his body convulsing. Mr. Autrey and two women ran to help. This man, Cameron Hollopeter, a college student, managed to get up, but then stumbled to the platform edge and fell to the tracks, between the two rails. Yikes.

As the headlights of the train appeared, Mr Autrey made a split decision. And leapt. Mr. Autrey lay on top of Mr. Hollopeter, his heart pounding, pressing him down in a space roughly a foot deep. Who knew this space even existed? The train’s brakes screeched, but it could not stop in time.Five subway cars rolled over the top of them, as they lay in this trough, before the train stopped. The cars passing inches from his head, smudging his cap with grease.

Mr. Autrey heard onlookers’ screams. “We’re O.K. down here,” he yelled, “but I’ve got two daughters up there. Let them know their father’s O.K.” He heard cries of wonder, and applause.

Now, that's a story.

At the gym this morning as I watched Mr Autrey at a press conference with Mr. Hollopeter's father, I was nearly in tears. Mr. Hollopeter's dad was so very touched and thankful. Then they both started crying. Mr. Autrey stated that all he did what he thought was right.

Letterman, and Ellen, and the Donald all know he did the right thing and are showering Mr. Autrey with money and talk show invitations. I am thrilled to know that Mr. Autrey gets his 15 minutes of fame. Hopefully he gets even 30 minutes. And a boatload of good karma.

We all know that saving a life is the right thing, right? But in the heat of the moment, what would you do? I am haunted by how I would respond. I would want to help, but could I do it? Could you? Let me know. Until then, I'm thinking about how to be such a hero.