Thank You, Batmen!: a Children's Message “The Worst Part About
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Thank You, Batmen!: A Children's Message “The worst part about being strong is that no one ever asks if you’re okay.” [Superman, a.k.a. Clark Kent] Written and Presented by Marsha L. Nolf First Presbyterian Church 1793, Washington, PA 15301 Boys and girls, during this time of “social distancing,” I have started to refer to my home as my “Fortress of Solitude.” I began to wonder, “Marsha, why are you using this phrase to describe your home?” Well, I live by myself—so that takes care of “solitude”; and, a “fortress” is a really strong fort, that is, nobody can come in without permission. So, Marsha, that makes sense....but then I thought of the real reason—the phrase “fortress of solitude” is from the Superman comic books. Let me explain.... Now, I would like for you think that when I was growing up all that I read were important works of children's literature—and maybe that's true to some extent—but I had a guilty pleasure. Boys and girls, I have not told many people about this guilty pleasure, but I am going to tell you. Promise me that you will not tell anyone. I had a large stash of Superman comic books that I read and re-read. I purchased these comic books at Yanda's Drug Store in downtown Crafton, PA, my hometown. I had a ready flow of cash, because I had a weekly allowance of 25 cents. Oh, how I loved Superman and the reruns of a television program titled The Adventures of Superman. In fact, I still remember, by heart, the television program's opening lines: "Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings at a single bound! Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!" The television program's introduction went on to state: "Yes, it's Superman—strange visitor from another planet who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Superman—defender of law and order; champion of equal rights; valiant, courageous fighter against the forces of hate and prejudice; who disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American way." [See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2l4bz1FT8U.] Not only did I love Superman, but I also liked all of Superman's family and friends. I'll name a few for you: Martha and Jonathan Kent, Superman's earthly parents; Jor-el and Lara, Superman's Krypton parents; Perry White, Jimmy Olson, and Lois Lane—Clark Kent's co-workers at the Daily Planet newspaper; and, Batman. I also feared his enemies: Lex Luthor and Brainiac. When Superman tired of “fighting a never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American way,” he voluntarily retreated to his Fortress of Solitude, which is located somewhere in the Arctic. Sometimes, Superman just needed to get away. The Fortress had a very heavy door with a gigantic key too heavy for anyone but Superman to use. He kept mementos of his former life on Krypton at the Fortress. Its location was kept secret from all but Superman's closest friends (such as Batman). For you see, Superman's friend Batman cared about him. Batman always knew where to check on him. Now, I know that in recent years, the relationship between Superman and Batman changed, but when I was reading Superman comic books back in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Superman and Batman were friends—BFFs, Besties.... In fact, Superman had a statue of Batman in the Fortress of Solitude. Although Superman and I voluntarily retreated to our Fortresses of Solitude, we have something else in common. I, too, have close family and friends, whom I like to call my Batmen, who check in on me while I am in my Fortress of Solitude. They care about me. I have so many Batmen in my life. In fact, I am afraid to list them for fear that I will miss someone. These Batmen have reached out to me in my Fortress of Solitude to make sure that I am OK during this time of “social distancing.” Many of these Batmen are members of the First Presbyterian Church 1793 [FPC1793]. FPC1793 Batmen have called me on the telephone. One FPC1793 Batman made two face masks for me. Others have sent e-mail messages to me. They have visited with me in my driveway. They have created virtual church services for me to attend. You, boys and girls, my youngest Batmen, have sent me greetings during these virtual church services. You have brought tears to my eyes. Although I am alone in my Fortress of Solitude, I know, like Superman, that I am not alone. This children's message is a way for me to say: “Thank you, FPC1793 Batmen!” Closing prayer: Dear God, thank you for “defenders of law and order; champions of equal rights; and, valiant, courageous fighters against the forces of hate and prejudice.” Thank you for all of the Batmen in our lives. Thank you for the good people of FPC1793. Amen. .