With a late night shoot last night and one first thing this morning it has been a full weekend. This morning was a superheroes birthday party.
Superheroes don't always wear masks, nor their underpants on the outside; but they often go unnoticed, wear a cloak of invisibility and are rarely acknowledged.
I want to relay a brief encounter today that I had will a superhero. To protect his identity, we will call him "j". "j" was very articulate and proudly informed me that we was 5 AND three quarters (I love how kids find the partial years so important and in later years, as adults we shave off not just the partials but full years!), he collects rocks and feathers. Before I was "allowed" to take his photo "j" checked out my photography credentials.
At some point during the party, "j" came up to me with a sandwich in hand and said "This is for you, you must be hungry after working so hard." I was so touched by his consideration. Later his mum, said to me, how patient I seemed to be with "j" waiting to take his photo as he came down the jumping castle slide and then showing him the picture. I told her about the sandwich - she seemed very surprised. "j" happened to be standing beside me at this point, and he just turned and gave me the biggest hug. I guess he felt that maybe I needed not just a sandwich but a hug too.
In our stories and on our screens, we recognise superheroes because they seem to have extraordinary powers; yet in my mind, the superheroes are all around us if we take the time to notice them.
Flying Solo Tip 087365 : Be a superhero. Perform acts with consideration and kindness.