Real-life Invisible Superheros
Have you ever been asked as a kid (or an adult) if you could have any super power what would you choose? I always wanted to be invisible! Ok, this is probably because I am naturally inquisitive and wanted to know what people said and did when I wasn't around. I never thought I would actually get to meet a real life super hero, but over the last few weeks I have spoken to many, and they are all invisible!
Three weeks ago I was asked to develop and coordinate a process to ensure support would be available for the most vulnerable people from my home town during the pandemic. Over the last 21 days there have been plenty tears, both from joy as well as exhaustion and the odd moments of panic. But I have never been alone, I have an army of invisible superheros who all volunteered their time and effort to help people they didn't know or had never met. So far we have been able to meet every single request as it has come in. This is purely due to peoples generosity, compassion and human kindness.
These invisible superheros don't shout about what they are doing, they don't Facebook what they are doing, they just get on and do it. They have given reassurance, shopped for essentials, waited in queues for hours to pick up prescriptions for complete strangers. It may sound mundane, boring even but right now this is real life-saving stuff. The relief when I speak to people who have been at their wits end, people who can't go out, people who are terrified by everything they see, read and hear about whats going on in the world. Just to be able to tell them, it's ok, someone cares, someone wants to help, you are not on your own, that is massive!
These invisible superheros not only help with the physical tasks they bring comfort, reassurance, hope. Their motivation is simply to help, to make a difference to someones life, to do what needs to be done. They are using their superpowers and they are saving lives. It feels good to be in the position where there are more offers of support than requests for help, it's a good place to be - long may it continue!
“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”
― haruki murakami
As much as I want this pandemic to be over, I have learnt so much from this experience. One thing I know one thing for sure - people are AMAZING! ❤ The NHS, the key workers, these invisible superheros that live amongst us. These people are my superheros.
Stay safe and look after each other. 🙏
by Maggie Martin
