Where is Superman?


My son loved Superman when he was younger. So much in fact that when he turned three several years ago we decided to have a Superman theme party. Let me tell you it was something. We scoured the Internet until we found almost every Superman item we could. Hats, a tablecloth, cups, cake, you name it we bought it. The heck with the college fund.

At the party it was exciting to have the plan come together. All the kids showed up along with the parents. Each had arms full of stuff that I knew I would be tripping over later. His favorite gifts were a pair of bright blue Superman underroos and a cape that a neighbor gave him. I loved watching him run around yelling, “I’m Superman! I’m Superman!”

A few days later we went for a walk. Conner of course insisted on wearing his underoos outfit and a pair of tall black rubber boots. I walked behind him as we traveled through the neighborhood and thought about this fascination that most young children have with superheroes. I can remember being that way myself at one time.

To Conner, he was Superman when he had that costume on. He could do anything! He was faster than a runny nose and able to leap large puddles in a single hop. Unlike most of us adults, he had yet to discover the limits of life. Every day was a learning experience and every moment an adventure to be had. Heck, as the picture shows, he did not even care about walking around the neighborhood in his underwear : )

Conner is eleven now and things are not as easy. Dreams of superpowers are gradually being replaced with the reality of life and of middle school. No more superman or superheroes. His cape has been replaced with the latest brand of clothing that all the other tweens are wearing. His rubber boots replaced with some brand of funky shoes that I have never seen before. Time spent text messaging, hanging out with friends, and swapping notes with girls is gradually replacing the simple joys we used to share together as father and son. Such is the way of life.

I am excited to see him growing up and yet at the same time I am sad to know the kryptonite we all experience as we grow up is waiting for him sometime in the future. My only hope is that his church, his Troop, his mother and I are indeed preparing him with the strength and wisdom to conquer the battles that are to come.

What about you? What are you doing to prepare your family and yourself for the battles of this world? Are you ready?

Comments

  1. Great story. It is a real bummer when we figure out that we are not invincible and that we all have our krytonite.

    I am preparing my boys by seizing teachable moments in helping them understand the world around them. Teaching them morals and standards is such a huge job. I was critical of how my parents raised me until I had teens myself. Now I admire them for doing sure a good job.

    I show my sons Jesus, both example and teaching. I just hope God grants them the grace to grow and mature so they can respond to the gospel. I just hope God takes over their spiritual education soon because I am out of material. Are they ready? By the grace of God I hope so....

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  2. Your story bought tears to my eyes as I sit with my 5 y/o. I try to lead by example being kind, keeping my cool, and showing love at all times. I hope and pray that my girls will always make good choices and learn from their mistakes.

    I'm giving them two things for their future, roots & wings.

    Thanks for your amazing post, Dave. I love the picture of Conner.

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  3. michelle copelandMay 19, 2009 at 1:43 PM

    You are such a wonderful father and husband - thanks for writing about our experiences because they are wonderful. I'll give you an A+++ for this essay.

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  4. Dusty--Thank again for your great comments. I have enjoyed learning about you and your many kids : )

    Jennifer--Roots and wings--I love that!

    Michelle--An A+++ from the person that knows me best means the most. I wish I was just half the parent you are.

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  5. My daughter calls me, "Superman" and it makes me feel invincible. We are both big fans of the Man of Steel. She is the age of your son when he wore his underwear hoping puddles. I found this very touching. I want to share it on my Facebook...it is really an excellent blog.

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  6. David - I really appreciate the perspective in this post. What a great reminder to cherish and foster the Superman moments. My son, Connor, is 9 and I see kryptonite appearing in his life daily, which is saddening. My prayers are much like yours that I am a father who loves recklessly, makes good decisions and support him through the opportunities that are in front of him.

    Thanks for writing this.
    jonesy

    ReplyDelete

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