Superman, Where Are You?

Back in the BC days (Before Cell phones), we didn’t have a whole lot of money to spend on cars. Well, truth is, we didn’t have a whole lot of money at all. So we typically bought something well used. That being the case, it was not unusual to have car troubles. One week in particular seemed to be especially fun. It was the week I learned the truth about Superman.

The week started off with my car stalling on me in the middle of the road just past the college. I was able to get off to the side of the road. I had a couple of little kids with me and it was the middle of July. (Why does everything seem to happen in July when it’s blazing hot??) Some nice person stopped and helped me. I was able to get to a phone and call MP for some help. He came and got the car started again. All was well for a few days.

Then I locked my keys in the car. Of course, I called MP. I mean, who else do I call?? Well, he had to call the Key Man (who really is called “The Key Man”) and we were back in business again.

Just a few days after that, the car stalled again. Still middle of July. Kids in the car. In the intersection, of course. Fortunately, I wasn’t too far from home or MP’s shop. It was at the intersection by Dutchman’s market, a little gas and goodies place on the corner. I was able to get some help pushing the car out of the intersection and into the parking lot and went inside to call MP. I think this ‘three times in a week’ was starting to get to him because when I called MP he said, “Quit calling me! Can’t you find someone else to help you?”

“Well, who do you WANT me to call??? Superman??” I replied. I mean really!?

“Yes, if he’ll help!” MP said.

“Well I guess you’re my superman, so put on your cape ‘man of steel’ and fly over here and help me out!”

Since then MP has lovingly been referred to as “Superman.” His only kryptonite (or that which he stays away from) are the words, “Honey, I need some help!”

Several years later, on Halloween Day, MP was mowing the lawn. The kids had been trying on costumes and Shotgun, who was 3 years old at the time, wanted to be Superman for Halloween. He put on his costume and was “flying” around, only to realize that his dad was out mowing the lawn without him. He rounded up his plastic lawnmower and went out to help his dad. I looked out the kitchen window and there he was stride for stride following directly behind his dad. As I sat there watching them, I couldn’t help but think how cute that was and I thought to myself, “Every dad needs a superman!”

As I watched the two of them, my heart began to swell. How I loved both of them. I saw him following his dad’s example and realized that we really are training little supermen. Hopefully all of mine will grow up to be like their dad.

I’m also wondering if any of them will be a mechanic that will come to bale their wives out when their cars break down because they hate sitting in a HOT car in the middle of the summer wondering if their mom even knows what a battery cable is.