Undercover Superheroes

Superheroes. We typically think of Superman. Or how about Spiderman? Can you imagine being able to scale a wall to save a terrified victim without ever revealing your identity? Let's not forget how cool it would be to drive the Batmobile. But unfortunately, no human has the same qualities as these fictional characters. 

But in the last few weeks, as we've witnessed our America turn somewhat on its head, we've also seen that there are actually superheroes among us. True, they may not be able to fly nor do they dress in nylon outfits, but they make us believe that there really is good in this world. 

We saw participants of the Boston Marathon, whom after running 26.2 miles and witnessing a bombing, continued to run 2 more miles to the closest hospital to give blood. Their fear and desire to help the injured carried them those last few miles. And they probably saved many lives that day. 

This week we saw several families or victims from the Newtown, Connecticut shooting stand up in front of American politicians to beg that stricter laws be put into place to make it more difficult for those to use a gun inappropriately. That's strength. 

A couple of weeks ago, as I participated in the first New York City Dance Marathon, I saw children become heroes after battling several diseases. Kids who spent their entire lives in and out of hospitals stood on the stage that day with smiles on their faces and belief in the dancers that stood before them. With HOPE in their parents' eyes that one day, there would be cures. 

Visit The Stand on Facebook. 

Dove proved to be a superhero this week, producing a film that will make any girl tear up and realize that they are their own worst critic. 

I witnessed another hero in the shape of a mother last Saturday, who stood in front of my 10k Training Team this week to speak about losing her husband to a blood cancer just after Christmas. Her 4-month-old daughter sleeping soundly in her arms. Now, that's a superhero strength. 

Our world we live in is undeniably fragile. We are not promised today or tomorrow. As the six o'clock news came on tonight and I heard stories of factory explosions, missing children and suspects for this case and that, it became apparent to me how fragile our world is. It's weeks like this one where we learn to hug our families and friends tighter, to be thankful for the days that we have and to be grateful for the undercover superheroes who make our world a brighter place. 

Sending love from NYC to Boston & Texas, 

Carrie