Superheroes do not wear capes and fly through the dark night saving random old ladies from purse snatchers. They don’t wear suits of iron and save humanity from gloved giants determined to destroy it. They don’t fire webs or lasers or time travel or any of that fantastical nonsense.
Super heroes do the small day to day things that add up to creating emotional, physical, and financial safety for their loved ones. They get up in the night to soothe a child after a nightmare. They navigate ambiguity and turmoil with calm and empathy. They think ahead to the future and keep their families best interests at the forefront of their mind and heart. They change diapers. Read books. Donate without the need for recognition or thanks. They pick up trash.
Superheroes aren’t paid. They don’t receive public praise or accolades. They don’t have monuments or titles. They show up time and time again and are the unifying force that strengthens and upholds everyone around them.
You don’t need to go to the movies to witness them in action. If you’re lucky you have one right in your own home. And if you do go and give them a hug and tell them how grateful you are for everything they do, how they show up every day, and why your life is better because of them.
Fantasy is fun but it’s not real life. Heroes aren’t waiting in the shadows and flying by night. They’re right here next to you and me. Doing the unglamorous but necessary work of making the word a better place.
