On Halloween night I became a superhero.
I dressed up like Spiderman and went to a harvest festival at a Church that was opened to children in the community.My goal was to surprise my own kids and grand-kids...and I did. However, my own surprise came when all the kids at the festival flocked around me like ducks to bread. In other words, I was an instant celebrity.
Kids came running up to me and would hug me. Parents would take pictures of me with their kids. And some young adults would even want selfies with me. It was amazing. Amazing in a few ways.
The first notable fact was that the children, even as young as three, knew Spiderman right-off. It was curious that even young children had watched many Spiderman movies, and that he was considered a special and lovable character.
Another notable fact was that many of the children actually thought I was THE Spiderman. Some of the older kids (eight to ten) wanted to see me do a flip, or shoot a web. Only a couple of tough 12 year olds' doubted my authenticity.
I was prepared to shoot some webbing (Silly string), but the authorities would not let me. Nor would they let me swing around the facility on a rope...sad. Therefore, I had to settle with many Spidey moves...except for a flip - which as the one kid asked for - but I got out of by saying it was too dangerous around the kids (and for me). I settled for crouching into the distinctive squatting position, execute a Spidey crawl, or jump onto some guardrails at the entrance and back down in the Spidey crouch position.I was told I "had those moves down." I would finish by popping up and cross the room with the swagger of an adolescent with attitude.
The last notable fact was that I was considered trustworthy. Some unknown kids would run up to hug me and ask me to go with them to the next event; others would stand back and stare with reverence. But the greatest moment was when a child of four came up to me and said "Spiderman, I lost my mommy. Could you help me find her?" I took the boy's hand and found someone who could help him...and she said. "Thanks Spiderman, we'll take it from here." I saluted and sauntered back to my peeps...another job well done.
On the way home, I thought of Spiderman's motto: With great power comes great responsibility. Even at the festival I would give a thumbs up and say "Stay responsible." It is a good motto to live by. To children, we grown-ups are big and strong and know things. That is a position we shouldn't take lightly.
We either have children or have seen other people's children. They look up to us as a guide and model. So it's important for us to act becoming to them...guiding them into the ways of the world. We are their hero.
“A hero is someone who, in spite of weakness, doubt or not always knowing the answers, goes ahead and overcomes anyway.”
― Christopher Reeve
Next time you get down on yourself, because you haven't any spectacular abilities. Remember, you can be a hero to a child, just by being kind and helpful - just as I learned, during my one night as Spiderman.
