Superman
As a mother, there are many moments I attempt to guard in my heart as the years quickly move forward. When I was pregnant with my first I recall asking questions of moms ahead of me, and they would reply, “I don’t really remember.” Each time a mama would give me this response, my mind would slightly explode. How on earth can she not remember? Of course, these were more memories of facts - like, When did your baby sleep through the night? Not treasured moments. And now being over six years into motherhood, there are early details I unquestionably do not recollect. But there are everyday moments that I am holding to ponder in my heart, for as long as I'm on this earth.
Something I want to remember from my second son’s childhood is his high-flying adventures with a four-inch Superman plush doll, ready to spring into action, wearing the signature red and blue suit. For whatever reason, True latched on to this Hallmark itty bitty Superman that we had around our house. It was given as a gift to our older son, but he was never interested. True discovered Superman mixed into a basket of toys, and it was love at first sight. An immediate companion, perpetually in his grasp.
Superman is True’s equivalent to Linus’s blue blanket. But one thing that they don’t show you in any of the Peanuts comics are the parents frantically searching for that blanket before bedtime, or scouring the internet to find a backup replica. Surely that blue blanket went missing a time or two, right?
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One day we were at a little zoo near our home, standing at the edge of the duck pond, we were watching the ducks swim and quack and the next thing I saw was True’s arm wind up and throw Superman across the fence, into the pond. It happened so fast. Frantically I sent my mom to find an employee to see if they could rescue the beloved plush friend. After that near loss incident, I decided we needed a stunt double.
That evening I went online and found that, of course, this specific doll had been discontinued. After searching the dark interwebs, I finally found one (totally overpriced) for sale in the UK. I grabbed my credit card and placed the order immediately. Weeks passed and finally, Superman’s stunt double arrived. Currently, I have him hidden in my room, for the day, that heaven forbid, Superman goes missing for good.
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Daily we set out on a Superman search and rescue mission. He’s tiny and apparently enjoys playing hide and seek. Superman loves hiding in cracks, toys with compartments, kitchen drawers, and has the habit of hiding when you need him most — nap and bedtime. Once finally found, True squeals, clutches him with his chubby and dimpled baby-toddler hands like Superman has been missing for a century, and kisses his face emphatically over and over MUAH MUAH MUAH! Then he tucks Superman in the crook of his neck on the right side, lifts his shoulder, and squeezes tight. Then finally rolls onto the floor squishing Superman with the weight of his body, making sure Superman knows how badly he was missed and how glad he had been found.
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So I engrave these details on my heart, memorizing all the ordinary moments watching True and his Superman sidekick. One day I know that I'll look back on this with as much tenderness as I do those years that have already rushed by. I'll remind myself of the simplest joys of this prized season. This is my cue...Remember this.
