Real Life Superheroes

What does it take to be a true superhero? Intriguing thought.

Frontline military, emergency services, medical personnel and the often overlooked end of life services. These people don’t have amazing origin stories to tell because it’s in their blood. They are born heroes and instinctively know how to be heroes by subconscious default hence their choice of risk-taking careers.

From Wow Comics in 1941 to the more recent Image Comics in 1992, many a hero for the imaginative child to dream about becoming one day but they’re not real. Fictional characters often based on mythology and parapsychology. We could do with a fair amount of caper crusaders and super powers upon the world but if you look hard enough, they’re there. Not stood atop skyscrapers with arms folded or hands on hips in “try me” determination. Nor plastered on billboards or public transport advertisements. They live regular lives and are usually never in receipt of a second glance from the public eye. Unless they’re one of the what-happened-to-your-whatever people who lurch, limp or wheel on by.

The real heroes of life are those who have overcome adversity, severe illnesses and life challenging psychological and physical assaults. Struck by an Always Coca Cola truck suffering a won’t-walk-again barrage of injuries. Months pass and each line, tracheotomy tube and catheter are removed in a fretting family’s miracle. Eventually talking, continent and walking. Enduring devastating injuries and experiences, healing slowly over time… the origin story of a true hero with no epic award-grabbing film to sing their praises. No cosplay, comics or Funko Pop collectibles. Cancers, disease, catastrophic injuries, psychological traumas, survivors of cruelty, torture, abuse, neglect. The list is endless. Their inner strength and surge of humble victory cannot be translated onto comic book panels.

Then there are those who have been bullied at home, at school, in the workplace and more. They subconsciously hold shields before themselves and try their best to pursue their determination to succeed. The antagonist are the ones who are victims too and later in life they realise. People often take each others’ insecurities out upon one another as they are both mutually in need of calm. Drop your weapons and seek serenity. Both ending up heroes of self calm. Welcoming each other with open arms and feeling a freedom akin to rescued battery farm hens.

Be your own hero. Celebrate your survival and ponder the wonderful gift of life.