It's that time of the year again. It's summer! The sun stays out longer, the nights provide a nice reprieve from the heat of the day, and all of life seems a little more relaxed. Fires can be heard crackling in yards and fields, fireflies light up the night, the taste of fresh produce lingers on the lips, and on certain nights the smell of gun powder fills the air just as fireworks light up the sky. There is nothing like the feeling of summer. But, summer has another special and unique meaning to me.
Five years ago, my daughter came to me and requested that she no longer receive presents for her summer birthday, instead she wanted to donate to a cause of her choosing. Together, we've donated can foods, pet supplies, books, school supplies, and this year we're collecting clothes and blankets. I have found myself looking forward to these celebrations and anticipating which cause she'll latch on to next.
I often wonder how I got so lucky to have such an amazing child, to have such a caring daughter. Do I feel that I deserve such an amazing individual for my daughter? No. But, I can say that most parents feel or have felt that way about their children. While I try to teach her, show her, and help her on her path to adulthood, I actually find myself learning from her. I could have never imagined how wonderful this journey called parenthood has truly been.
One of our favorite activities throughout the year is to watch the various superhero movies at the theatre. Movies about fighting evil, standing up for those who need it, about self sacrifice. We watch those larger than life heroes fill up the screen, we're amazed at their powers and strengths, we become lost in their stories. I always find myself looking at her during the movie and in that brief moment I see all that she is and all that she can become. I then realize that no hero on the screen can match the power, abilities, or sheer awesomeness of the superhero sitting beside of me, sharing my popcorn and slurping my drink.
