The Batman love affair continues

For the past 18 months or so Batman has featured heavily in our lives. He is Darby's greatest love, well apart from me and his dad I hope (although I do question that from time to time!)

A boy at the age of five,  I can kind of get that! Batman, is strong, cool under pressure, rather witty and someone with a strict moral code.

He is a leader, and a friend. He is an only child but has many allies. Unlike all other superheroes he doesn't have any superpowers, none at all.  He is just someone who is passionate about what he believes in and has worked really hard to make himself powerful not only physically but mentally. (Maybe I should take a leaf out of his book!)  

I remind Darby of these qualities every day, and when the costume comes out, Darby tries his best to embody that character,  to stand up taller, to stride with confidence, to be friendly and to look out for others. It is adorable to watch!

So this week when he put the costume on and asked me kindly to put on his mask and cape, I  just couldn't  say no. 

I do shake my head a little, but mostly I walk next to him, hand in hand,  with pride in my eyes.

Until Next time,

Oh to be Brave and Bold

I was so inspired by Cherie from over at Raising Master Max and her story of how kind she was to a complete stranger.  It really  did make me  evaluate all the things I do and whether I too, have that generosity gene.

This week though the tables were turned and Darby played the part of the kindness receiver.  A random act of kindness touched us both. It was such a simple but heartwarming thing, and I cannot stop thinking about it.

I suppose the story doesn't make sense without being told in its entirety. 

Over the past few months Darby has developed a little bit of a man crush! This crush is not on a celebrity or a superhero,  but just  a regular guy! 

This said guy happens to work at one of Melbourne's best cafes. So we frequent there for coffee quite a lot,  maybe once a fortnight, or if Darby has his way, once a week.

Darby and this waiter have developed quite a bond, mainly due to  some common ground. - they both love superheroes.   

They happily chat mostly about Batman, but really any kind of man with superpowers will do. This may seem so trivial, but Darby's face lights up when we walk in there.  Our waiter always meets us at the door,  Darby keen to show him a shirt he is wearing, or some little toy he has with him. 

Its this enthusiasm that is so beautiful to watch. With each conversation they have I can literally see his eyes light up with happiness.  

I sit back and enjoy my coffee, as they talk about Green Lantern, The Flash, Robin, The Brave and the Bold and Batman. I am knowledgeable in all of these areas now, but I probably don't converse  with the same level of gusto that these two lovers of superheroes do.
On one occasion this young waiter delivered me a little piece of paper that had the name of a Comic store in the city where there would be age appropriate material for Darby. I thought that this was such a sweet gesture.

On the next occasion we were there, he came over to apologise that he hadn't been able to chat to Darby and as we were leaving, I felt a tap on the shoulder, I turned around, and our waiter was there. He said for Darby and I to come in next week and he would have a comic for him. Again so sweet.

We didn't get in the next week. Life caught up to us, we were busy and just didn't get have a chance.  We did go again, but it was so busy he barely had time to talk to us.  I could tell in Darby's face how disappointed he was when this happens.  (I on the other hand feel as though I am stalking this poor guy)

We went again on Monday, Darby entering with his Batman mask, to a big clap from our waiter. He was excited to see him! We sat down and ordered drinks.

Probably 10 minutes later I saw our waiter approach us.

He had something in his hands.

It was a comic book

As he bent down next to Darby, he presented him with a brand new Batman - Brave and the Bold comic, all wrapped up!

I really did feel my heart skip a beat at this guys kindness. He doesn't know me, or Darby. We are just customers, who come in for coffee. Yet he went 1000 times above and beyond his role to make my little mans day.

Not many people do these kinds of things, especially for those that you hardly know. I was simply touched. I wanted to reach out and hug him, but resisted the urge to. Darby's little face just lit up. He was shocked too. All he could say was wow, wow, wow.

I am not sure Darb's can feel those feelings of gratitude yet, but this was a perfect chance for me to  help instill them. He did understand that this is not a normal present, that this is an out the ordinary  gift. He sat there amazed flipping through his new book.

He whispered to me, "Mum, this is pretty special" (I couldn't agree with him more!) 

 The comic book  has not  left his side since.

So tomorrow we are off to pick out a card, Batman of course as a thank-you for this kind gift.   I know one thing for sure we will be lifelong customers to this cafe...