27 Apr Superman Strong
Ella and Emma were standing in front of the new release children’s book section of our local library. Their heads were tilted sideways, their ears almost touching their shoulders as they read the titles printed on the spines of the new books. I watched as their fingers moved across the tightly packed shelves, occasionally stopping to pull out a chosen book.
A little boy wearing a blue superman shirt stood close to the girls, carefully observing their actions and mirroring their behaviors. He tilted his head sideways and ran his little hands over the shiny backs of the books.
“This book looks good. And so does this one,” said Ella. Two books went in the stack of books on the table in front of me.
Emma said, “This one sounds funny. And so does this one.” And they went in the stack too.
The little boy pulled two books from the shelf and imitated their words, saying, “This one. And this one.” He put the books on the stack. The girls giggled.
The little boy stood close to the girls and looked up toward them, cupping his hands around his mouth. “But I can’t really read them. I need help,” he whispered, his eyes wide. He waited for a reaction to his admission.
“That’s okay,” said Emma. “We can help you read them.”
We are all that little boy wearing a Superman shirt sometimes. We dread the prospect of not appearing self-sufficient and independent. We worry about inconveniencing someone by asking for help. We act like we have it all figured out.
But every once in a while, it’s nice when we can cup our hands and whisper in a library voice, still loud enough for someone around us to hopefully hear. And what’s even better is when, in response to our vulnerability, someone responds with, “I can help.”
After all, asking for assistance isn’t a sign of weakness. People are happier to help than we usually expect. And those who ask for help are usually stronger for it.
Superman strong.