My Dad Has Never Been My Hero — And That’s More Than OK
Who exactly is a hero to someone? Are they the ones who do the unimaginable for you? Or are they the ones who make life easier by ensuring you don’t have to face difficulties at all? For most of us, in those early years of growing up—when we were completely dependent on our parents—it was they who meant everything to us. They were our world, and everything else felt like an extension of that world. Naturally, in those moments, they were our heroes. But as our world slowly expanded beyond them, the way we, as children, responded to new experiences—and the way our parents chose to present themselves—played a huge role in shaping our early understanding of life. Looking back, I’ve realized one thing about my father: he never tried to be a hero for me. He never projected himself as infallible or all-knowing. He was simply… himself. But does it make a difference if parents don’t try to appear invincible or shoulder every worry for their children? ...