Helping hands: Celebrating ‘superheroes’ at Tides, and recognizing superpowers

I met Captain America at the Centre County Council for Human Services Super Fair in 2017. That is when I learned about the Alliance of Heroic Hearts. It’s an organization of Penn State students who visit places where children can be found. Their main purpose is “to bring out the hero in ordinary people.” They inspire children to realize they don’t need to have superpowers to make difference in their community.

I consented to write this article in late December. Since then, I have been exposed to the ideas of both superheroes and superpowers in a variety of places. A magazine expressed that “hospitality is a super power.” An article suggested that “people who support us are our superheroes.”

The Webster’s dictionary defines a superhero as “a benevolent fictional character with superhuman powers.” It defines a superpower as “a power more exceptional than any power a human being could possess and you use it to accomplish good deeds.” Then, I sought out the definition of a hero: a person admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” Synonyms include brave, courageous, warrior, conqueror.

On Feb. 3 the superheroes visited Tides, an organization for grieving children, teens and adults. This was the fourth time they came to one of our gatherings. Needless to say, the children love meeting them and having time with them. We’ve done Olympics and tea parties and created our own capes and shields. And, we’ve had great conversations.

Last time they visited we talked about their loved ones who had died, and what “superpower” they possessed. Answers included: “Helped me with my hard math homework.” “Able to love everybody and everything all the same.” “Able to lift me on their shoulders for chicken in the swimming pool.” In a thank you note from Super Girl to us at Tides she stated: “All of you at Tides are the real heroes.”

Back to purpose: “to bring out the hero in ordinary people.” Our Tides families are just that, ordinary people who are navigating the journey of grief and loss after the death of a loved one. Our volunteers serve as companions on their journey. According to Webster’s, they are all heroes! They are brave and courageous, on a conquest to honor their own grief journey.

We remain grateful to the Alliance of Heroic Hearts for their presence with us again. We also celebrate the “superheroes” among us at Tides and recognize their superpowers. Look around — chances are there’s a superhero in your life. Maybe it’s time to honor the super powers they or maybe even you possess. Don’t be shy. Be brave. You can do it.