The Olympics have always been a part of my life and although I have no talent in any sport, I still enjoy watching people (more like super-humans) compete in their preferred sports and passion for the title of the world's best. Recently I found that everyone resembles an Olympian to some degree. No matter where you're from or what you do, you can master your own life and most likely can be a "super-human," too. I might sound crazy but stay with me as I explain.
1. A mother
I am the oldest of four children and every day I watch my mother run around town taking one kid here and another there, all while calling the electric company and planning another child's birthday party. Not only did she push a 6-pound baby out of her body four times, but she spent countless hours trying to keep them healthy and happy. When a woman becomes a mother, her life changes and she must learn a new way of living instantaneously. No mother is perfect, but can you blame them? My mom is the most beautiful person in the world. She puts up with me and I know I'm not easy. With all the crap mothers have to deal with, I would gladly give any mom a gold metal for even attempting motherhood. And most likely a mom wouldn't want a gold metal, but probably a kiss and thank you every now and then. Not only is she competing in her own sport, but she is training you for yours.
2. A friend
I've known this family for quite some time now, and I've always adored them. Originally I was close friends with the daughter while in middle and some of high school. Of course, high school drama ensued and our friendship was destroyed. At first I was extremely hurt but when I became aware of all this girl put her loving parents through, I was no longer mad for the same petty reason. This father, who I consider one of the best men I've ever had the privilege to meet, was working to support his family and keep them safe. This stepmother, who loved this girl like her own, gave all she had to her. They gave up so much for her and she left them high and dry as soon as she possibly could. I feel sorry for her because she was unaware that a gift of loving super humans who lived their lives for her were right there. This set of parents are super human because they loved so much and although they have been hurt, they continue to love. They did not deserve one ounce of what their daughter put them through but they survived. They pulled through, and they might be some of the strongest people I've ever known. Although I'm not sure they can pull off what Michael Phelps did this year at Rio, in my mind they accomplished much more.
3. An aunt
My aunt is the coolest person I've ever known. She's super funny, chill and smart. Although she has gone through a lot to give her reason to be otherwise, she continues to be the cool aunt in my family. When she was young, she married a man who ended up cheating on her throughout most of their marriage. No one deserves such treatment. Much later she met her current husband who is the perfect gentleman that is a good mix of sarcasm and authenticity. Throughout their last 10 years of marriage they have tried to have a baby of their own. Unfortunately they have not succeeded. This woman has too much love in her short body to not have a child of her own and although she does not speak about the hurt she feels because of this empty hole in her life, I know it's there; for both her and her wonderful husband.
So many people around the world go through so much pain. Maybe they even went to hell and back. Whether it's an abusive childhood or a drug addiction too strong to overcome, they continue to love. The continuous smile that is on their face and open arms make them a super-human. Overcoming your past, or maybe even present, is one of the hardest things to do.
These stories are personal to me but I'm sure everyone reading this knows of someone who matches one of the descriptions above. Maybe it's even you. Everyone has a story. Everyone has reason to give up or let go, but they don't. That takes strength and determination and Olympians aren't the only ones who have those character traits. Of course the air Simone Biles gets while tumbling and the speed Michael Phelps reaches while swimming is outstanding. But I believe with a little bit of the right thinking and love, every single person can be a super-human, too.
