Sometimes being a superhero is a tough gig. Seriously. Sometimes, just like everyone else– you get burned out, tired, and bored. People tell you how wonderful it must be to be you, yet you wonder what part of delusion they ride on. Yet, let’s be honest– the ideal of being a superhero appeals to us all. Why?

There’s the idea of righting wrong, taking care of the things that as regular mortals we can’t, and the idea of someone looking up to us in admiration. (I admit it– I write cuz I do and the fact that people like my stuff keeps me going!) Yet there’s more to that. Sometimes in life, we feel that we aren’t strong enough, aren’t good enough, just…aren’t enough period to make a difference in one person’s life much less many. So, we think that if we had super powers, we could use them to benefit so many people.

Growing up, I always knew I was different. Reading comics such as X-Men, Justice League, and others helped me to feel more accepted internally since externally I was an outsider. In my own way, I began emulating the superheroes I read about. Their ups and downs and mine followed a similar path as I grew up. But there was more–I realized they truly made a difference in the world and still–I felt helpless.

Then in 80s, Band-Aid and Live-Aid came about and in that moment, I had an epiphany that’s lasted every year since. Give to charities that can do the bigger things while I do the smaller things to make a difference. So began my 2 decade gifting to organizations that truly are superheroes. In fact, seeing famous people also giving of their time and effort reinforced the fact I was doing what was right for me.

Then as everyone knows, my first muse- my mom passed away in January of this year. But my mom was also a superhero. *smiles softly* She took care of those less fortunate. Volunteering at her local senior center and even while ill with lung cancer, Mom helped out others by taking them grocery shopping when they had no other way and by listening to those who just needed a shoulder to lean on. My mom, the superhero. Growing up I didn’t see her uber-human abilities, but I always knew she had strength beyond that which I comprehended. Through the years, I saw my mom both as human and more than human. The past seven months with her fight against the lung cancer that finally conquered her lungs, I saw the true power of my mom. She wasn’t afraid of dying, she wasn’t afraid of living, she just wanted us to be loved and taken care of. At her passing, she was still a superhero.

How do we live the superhero life when we’re limited by our lack of superhuman skills? We help those unable to help themselves, we fight for what’s right for mankind, we take the hard path because it’s the right one, and we remember that even superheroes enjoy themselves in those moments of peace and prosperity.

Be a superhero– stand up for what’s right. Help others. Read a book to others or read one for the pleasure it gives you. Stand up and be counted. Acknowledge the blessings and gifts you were born with. Sometimes what we consider a curse is truly a superhero power in disguise.