Superman is always the first superhero we think of, with Batman and Spider Man coming in second and third respectively (though Batman's only real superpower is his abundance of money). I have to mention, however, that one of my personal favorite superheroes must be Ralph Hinkley. Most people reading this probably do not remember this American hero, but he is, in title, the greatest. And no, this Hinkley is not the guy who shot President Reagan!
Ralph Hinkley burst onto the scene in 1981, not understanding what put him on top of the world. Always claiming it should have happened to somebody else, Hinkley learned as he progressed. He was a young school teacher, being placed in a class of behavior-deprived high school students (Think Sweathogs.), yet when faced with an important task, he lost the most important component to the task - the instruction book. He did not have a mission statement, but often collaborated with an experienced partner and a skeptical girlfriend.
As mentioned, Ralph was a teacher. He pressed forward with a wing and a prayer (Call it faith if you like.), often looking to the skies in his times of greatest need. He struggled against his own deficient body and mind, but committed himself to serve, help, and even save others, often hitting walls and falling on his face in the process.
At least one song was written for Ralph. The lyrics, written by Stephen Geyer, were put to the tune, composed by Mike Post (with an insanely fast drum solo, played by Yours Truly in the high school march band).
Look at what's happened to me, | This is too good to be true, |
I believe life does come with an Instruction Book, but even with it, we tend to flail along, tripping over our own feet, and discovering new ways to make things work. If we are fortunate, we find our stride and keep moving forward. Bruised, beaten, and smashed flat, we often want to give up, we yearn for an easier way, and we seek refuge from the world (Many actually look for refuge from the world in the world, which of course, makes no sense at all.).
Of course, we do not don a special suit for this (Red tights and a cape anyone?), but we hope that people can see us for what we truly are. We do not hide our identity, but at the same time, we do not boast in it.
And we do not give up. Oh, we may find ourselves taking a break, now and then (especially during the summer months), but we must remember, as Super Citizens, that we are on a mission: to make this world more awesome, to serve our fellow man, and to live lives free of guilt and regret. It will not be easy, but this sounds like a job for...me! And you.