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November 20, 2006

 

Who Is That Masked Marvel? 

Moments To Be Great

 

By Beverly Floyd

There’s a new preoccupation on NBC this season; America has become addicted to a show called ‘Heroes’.  The creator of Heroes describes the show as “an epic drama that chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities.”  Eventually, the story lines of these people intersect as they endeavor their first heroic feat:  Save the Cheerleader . . . Save the World.

Whether in comic books or on the big screen, the fascination with average people having amazing, not-so-average abilities, gussied-up in flirtatious ensembles is a global phenomenon spanning multiple generations.  These fictional characters typically encounter some type of traumatic, life-altering event before their super powers burst forth . . . and then they endeavor to save the world.  Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Wonder Woman . . . You don’t run into these larger than life superheroes every day . . . or do you? 

The truth is there are heroic tendencies in all of us.  Our super powers ignite when we forego our own ambitions, step out of our safety zones, and with a full heart cater to the needs of others.  Some times these superhero deeds are dramatic, life-saving feats; but more often, they are simple “life-ALTERING” deeds.  Real-life superheroes exhibit their abilities through the over-looked day-to-day deeds that positively affect the lives of others – like the one I witnessed the other day, as I unknowingly sat next to a hero . . .

My daughter recently performed in her middle school chorus concert.  I arrived early and watched the auditorium begin to fill with families supporting their musical children.  Before long, the room was full . . . with the exception of six seats, positioned in the center row, starting from the aisle and counting five seats down.  I know what you’re thinking . . . empty choice seats is an oddity at any venue.

Minutes before the show began, a conservatively dressed man seated among the audience stood abruptly and addressed the crowd, “Excuse me!  May I have your attention?”  Having captured the people’s awareness, the man continued with great distinction in his voice, “Is the Mulling family here?”

Silence blanketed the room, as spectators (including myself), scouted the auditorium in search for the mysterious “Mulling Family”.  Finally, at the rear of the auditorium, a woman cautiously raised her hand.  “We’re the Mullings,” she answered with shy hesitation and worry in her voice.

The room grew still again, before the unidentified man continued, “Your friend in the choir reserved these six seats for you,” he remarked, pointing at the curious row of empty seats.

“Oh?” one of the Mulling family members replied, sounding both surprised and relieved that the announcement was not an emergency, “Thank you!”

All eyes were fixed on The Mulling family:  father, mother, three children and a grandfather (who was superbly dressed for the modest occasion in a double-breasted suit.)  They made their way from the back of the auditorium and through the intent crowd whose silence had dissolved and erupted into echoes of cheers and applause.  The Mullings humbly took their reserved seats and thanked the man, who was sitting in the row behind them and directly to my left. 

Another fellow, not part of the Mulling family, approached the brave spokesman, “I have to shake your hand and commend you!” he remarked, “you have made their night special and especially the grandfather!” 

The concert began . . .

My daughter’s group was first.  She was a singer on stage . . . our budding star.  As I enjoyed the music, I continued to ask myself, “Who is this masked marvel?”  Is it true that the man seated next to me . . . and merely one seat away from my oldest daughter . . .  the man who was rewarded with commendation and applause . . .  is none other than . . .

MY HUSBAND?!

Typical of a prompt military service member, my husband ensured we arrived at the concert fashionably early.  As we got comfortable in our seats, a young girl and a member of the chorus, ventured into the row in front of ours.  She placed her jacket on one seat and two concert programs on another seat.  She counted a few seats down and placed a white sweater on a final seat.  She studied her arrangement, then looked up and politely asked if we would reserve the six seats for her family and friends.  We agreed to do our best.

My husband continued chatting with the young girl.  I was puzzled when he asked for her last name, which she willingly shared as she expressed her excitement in having her friends, "The Mullings", come to hear her sing.  The seats, she explained, were really for them.  Then, she skipped away merrily to join her choir-mates.  AND THAT WAS ALL IT TOOK.  From that moment on, my husband was determined to usher in "The Mullings."

I sat stunned watching my husband in action as he respectfully asked each family as they approached the seats, "Excuse me.  Are you a part of the Mulling Family?"  With each 'no, he kindly informed them that we were asked to reserve the seats for "The Mullings."  Family after family this occurred, but the Mullings never claimed the seats.

With the concert prelude only moments away, my husband, this masked marvel, was going to ensure he did everything possible to honor his word to a seventh grade student that he may never see again.  I have to admit, when he told me that he was going to make an announcement for the Mullings, my daughter and I sunk in our seats with embarrassment.  But that didn't stop him from doing what he felt was the right thing to do.  And that night, without seeking praise or even a thank you, he acted nobly. 

Wow!  This is MY man?!  As the crowd responded with cheers and applause, my daughter and I realized what he had done.  I was surprised, but not really . . . You see, my husband is the type of person who takes every assignment, big or small, to heart.  However, being militarily separated from the family for the past two years, the girls and I are getting to know this masked marvel all over again . . .

The second group took the stage and we quickly spotted our new friend standing proudly in the middle of the first row with a smile adorned from ear to ear.  She had reserved the perfect seats for "The Mullings", a clear, unobstructed view of her dazzling performance. 

. . . And what about the masked marvel?  Although he simply feels he did what any person would do (and has had it up to ‘here’ with me calling him a hero), my daughters and I see it differently.  In our mind’s eye … he was a man of his word, who without due intention, went above the call of duty and captured a moment to be great! 

I recently had the great privilege of hearing Dr. Maya Angelou speak at the Georgia Institute of Technology.  She used a different name to describe people with superhero tendencies.  She called them, “Conductors”.  Conductors compose a life symphony through acts of selflessness, generosity, kindness, compassion and humility that creates a legacy of learning, growing, sharing and loving (paraphrased).

Surely, there’s a little bit of super hero in all of us.  So, keep your eyes open, a hero may be sitting right next to you . . . or perhaps that super hero IS YOU.

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