Superheroes

My kids are superheroes.  

As Halloween has come and gone and the Iron Man 3 trailer was released, I am reminded of the Batman, Iron Man, and Spiderman costumes.  I remember the Superman, Spiderman and Incredibles pajamas.  I cannot count the hours spent watching The Avengers, Spiderman 1, 2, 3  and The Amazing Spiderman, Batman (mostly the Dark Knight series because we have not shown them the Michael Keaton/ Val Kilmer/ George Clooney versions), The Hulk, Iron Man 1 & 2, and everything else.  Does Thor count too?  

I think of what I was like as a child: a little girl whose favorite color was pink.  So much so, that I had painted my bedroom walls pink.  I dressed as a princess every year for Halloween- Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, etc.  The girly- girl daughter of a tomboy, you wouldn't catch me attempting to play softball or touch football.  I was never interested in Wonder Woman or SuperGirl (although She- Ra held my interest).  I wanted to wear dresses and socks with lace.  Now I'm a woman who sits at baseball games and comes home covered in dirt.  I would rather wear sneakers and jeans than a dress.  And even though my T.V. preferences are practically chosen for me, what with two boys and a husband (Toddlers and Tiaras, eat your tutus out), I can live vicariously through the girls on Sex & The City given the occasion that I catch reruns on the Style Network.

But back to those mini Superheroes.  It's impossible to think of them otherwise.  They have saved lives with their presence and being.  They are rescuers- of tiny beetles and other helpless insects.  They are philanthropists in that they try to lead by example and always help us out financially (no really, Zach cutting his own hair because he didn't want us to spend money was pretty charitable......).  They become angry and mean, but often tame it.  They are strong in mind, spirit and body.  Their constant energy leaves them able to leap and bound where they are needed.

Their bravery is enviable.  Even though at times they have to fight the evil of temporary enemies (who knew boys had drama?), the optimism that is shown through and through would be the characteristic/ superpower of attempted thievery.  In a world where so many children are consumed by the latest gadget and parents who tailor to their every whim, mine have found a way to only want one possession: family.  Their mom and dad are everything to them and I feel as though they would stop anything and anyone who tried to stand in the way of them being with us.  

At the end of the day, it's the warm cuddles, bear hugs and slobbery kisses.  In the early morning, it's the bright eyes, big smiles and sometimes grumpy demeanor.  I am sure that someday my kids will find their Lois Lane, Vicki Vale, Pepper Potts or Mary Jane Watson.  But for now, I get to be the leading lady.  I will not allow a tragedy in their lives to determine who they become (okay, fine I don't have control of everything). And much like our atypical caped/ masked crusaders, I certainly hope that my children's choices for life- long love will not be hampered by the need to save the world or a demanding career.

Yes, they are superheroes through and through.  They continue to learn life lessons and they have taught lessons to everyone who comes in contact with them.  Every Christmas, I am given the same gift over and over: my two little protectors.  I don't have to shine a bat signal or scream in despair.  Their own little Spidey senses tingle with suspicion when a hug is needed.  They know just when to break out into Superhero Gangnam Style dance at just the right time.  And they definitely bring joy to those around them.