I'll have to be completely honest...I can't recall the first time I met Superman. I don't remember the color of his suit, let alone the length of his cape. However, my instincts told me that he would always be there to protect me. From the moment I first began to have an observant eye about the world, Superman always his eyes on me. As my appetite for playground danger and adventures developed, Superman was sure to follow me behind. Sometimes, I disobeyed him and created my own rules, causing me to enter a realm of ongoing injuries and thoughtless mistakes. It was never a rewarding experience to hear him lecture me about the rules set in place to protect myself, but I guess that's what you receive for having a superhero as a member of the Liebman family tree.
There are countless days I hear Superman tell the adventurous stories of how he saved the lives of innocent citizens. Other days, he'd recall about the people who weren't able to be rescued in time. Sometimes, I'd hear him tell me in a gentle tone that he wouldn't want me to consider him as a superhero. However, I always remind him that not even the most powerful human on the planet can rescue an entire humanity. Even if he senses that his powers are not enough to embrace change; I have faith, because he's Superman.
Superman, like the majority of world-saving compelling leaders, has a family that always keeps him on his toes. Unlike other superhero family members, Superman commits to his family, and even rescues his children from certain crisis (the majority of the time). He may have the maturity of a ten-year-old, embarrass his daughters, and burn certain cooking tools (frustrating his wife), but he's wonderful at making us smile. Even Superman continues to save me everyday, despite the fact I am hundreds of miles separated from him by car.
To my Superman, when I often doubted about my future after college, as I juggled to balance out work with volunteering and a social life, you and my mom were there to calm me. You reminded me to breathe in and out and relish the moments of today. Superman, when my migraines began to increase to the point I felt fireworks exploding inside of my brain, you ensured that I would be safe in your protection. When I just want to have a general conversation with a friend, you are one phone call away (except when your "superhero pager" goes off). I don't often thank you enough for the sacrifices you have made in-between your hectic schedule. Here's my chance to express it through my article. THANK YOU!!!! After I finally depart from your "headquarters" to explore this colossal universe on my own, I'll still carry your cape in my mind. I may not take every piece of advice you delivered to me over my twenty years, but the most important lessons you taught me will remain in my personal history book.
Superman, please remember that you, my mom, and my sister will always be there to support you, and we love you so much. You are a wonderful husband, father, doctor, and most importantly, an amazing human being.
Under his mask, you may have already guessed but Superman is my dad. Although he's sure no Clark Kent, Steve Rogers, or Tony Stark, he's the one and only Dr. Kenneth Liebman. Dad, I'm so blessed to call you my Superman. You are my best friend, mentor, horror-film-watching-buddy, and most importantly, my hero. I know you don't always think that you are a hero, and you are very humble about your career, but you'll always be the greatest gift a daughter can ever receive.
Happy Birthday to my Superman and amazing Daddy.
I love you.
Sincerely,
Superdaughter!