“I just couldn’t do what you do.”
Is it a little weird that I have multiple people tell me this? I’ve had people see me out with Noah, total strangers, walk up and make this statement. It’s been made to me by friends, and even by family.
I find it strange, honestly. It’s just a strange statement to make. What does it even mean? I think (or maybe I overthink) that most people mean this as a complement. Like I’m some kind of amazing person because I take care of my son. It’s a nice sentiment, but I live in my own head… I’m not that amazing.
I used to love superhero movies. I say I used to because at this point, they’ve kind of been run into the ground. But in most of those movies, you’ve got this person who went through something terrible, and it gives them some kind of power. Then they use that power to overcome incredible odds to save the world. So these heroes have two things in common: 1. Something terrible happens. 2. The opportunity to save the world comes along.
“I just couldn’t do what you do.”
I am in no way, form, or fashion a superhero, but you are right. You can’t do what I do. You can’t do it because you have never been faced with it. I can only do what I do because that was the hand I was dealt. My choices became play or fold, and I had a sweet, funny, silly, happy baby. So it wasn’t really a choice.
“I just couldn’t do what you do.”
You could. You really could. You just haven’t had to. And I’m thankful for that, but there are things you have gone through. They aren’t less. Just different. Things that you have learned to deal with, things that I don’t know how to do.
In the real world, there are no superheroes to swoop in and save us. We have to face life as it comes. Difficult things are going to come your way, and I want to encourage you. Because you can do it. Do you know how I know?
Cause I did.
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