We called it “Capes and Underwear.” We were superheroes with towel capes and underwear
pulled up over our jeans. I imagined having super powers so that I could help anyone who
cried in distress. My brother and I were Super Lad and Super Lad, Jr. One day we were playing
with friends. “Hush!” “Can't you hear it”, I said. “Someone is crying for help.” We ran down to
the creek where we had hidden our costumes. We put on our t-shirts with “Super Lad” and
“Super Lad, Jr.” emblazoned on them with magic marker. We put on our capes and pulled our
underwear up over our jeans. Then we ran down the street to help whoever needed us.
Chiclets were power pills that gave us extra strength. We only used them on special occasions,
like when I had to pick my older sister up. I swear it gave me strength.
I read every superhero comic I could get my hands on. They would be worth a lot of money
today if my mom had not sold them at a garage sale. I still read superhero books, in a way.
I read action and adventure books where the hero always wins. My favorites are Lee Child's
“Jack Reacher” books. Jack is 6'5” and 220 lbs. No one wants to mess with him.
My favorite movies have always been movies starring Sylvester Stallone, Arnold
Schwartzenegger, Clint Eastwood's “Dirty Harry”, Bruce Willis, Jason Statham, and Chuck Norris, I like to see the good guy walk away at the end, and the bad guy get his due.
It is only recently that I have come to an understanding of why I like superhero books and
movies. I have been diagnosed with PTSD. You see I was abused as a child and went through
severe trauma as an adult. If I had super powers or could fight like those movie heroes, I
would have the strength needed to confront and overcome the bad people in my life. Heroes in
comics, books and movies are an outlet for me to see the good guy “kick butt” and see the bad
guy defeated.
Mine has been a life of contradictions. I have excelled in many ways, a Masters degree and 2 Doctorates, an author, but the past is always there to bring me into depression and very low self-esteem. I still wish I could put on “Capes and Underwear” and defeat every foe I face. Perhaps, writing about it will give me the courage to
fight the bad guys.
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