I Want To Be A Hero (When I Grow Up Challenge)

by thebetweenspace

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I stalked my back yard, the neighbor kids in tow. We got to the van (a swing set) and embarked on another mission. I was Hannibal. Eric was Face. James was B. A. Baracus. And Drew was Murdock.

We were the A-Team.

I took my part in the fantasy very seriously. I even chomped on my own cigar (a small stick) every time I said, “I love it when a plan comes together!”

When I was a young, I could entertain myself for hours just using my imagination. I constructed fantasy worlds, whether for G.I. Joe’s, Star Wars figurines or Transformers.

I would like to say that my dialogue and endless series of twists and turns were better than those on the TV shows, but I have to remember I was just a child with an incredible imagination.

I wanted to grow up to be a hero, but as the weight of time and responsibility hit, I realized that I wasn’t Hannibal or Duke or Optimus Prime. I was just a guy with a furtive imagination. I guess that’s what fuels my fire these days. If I can’t be a hero, I can at least create one.

Prequels

Write a prequel

Sequels

Write a sequel

Comments

  1. I Want To Be A Hero (When I Grow Up Challenge)

    THX 0477's Buddy Icon THX 0477

    Posted about 1 month ago

    Very reasonable. I probably should have had that realization years ago. Eh, screw it; I can be a hero if I want to. Heehee, I know just what you mean, and I swear I did grow up…mostly. Still, I’m always one to at least want to say, “Chase that dream.” I did, and after a detour or two, things turned out okay.

  2. I Want To Be A Hero (When I Grow Up Challenge)

    Steve Fairweather's Buddy Icon Steve Fairweather

    Posted about 1 month ago

    Is it bad that I used to root for Cobra Commander and the Decepticons?

    Really agree with the sentiment here. A child’s imagination is by far their biggest asset and it should be everyone’s hope to never lose use of theirs.

  3. I Want To Be A Hero (When I Grow Up Challenge)

    Saint Chuck's Buddy Icon Saint Chuck

    Posted about 1 month ago

    I think I’m going to give myself a few more years before coming to terms with my non-superhero existence. Great entry!

  4. I Want To Be A Hero (When I Grow Up Challenge)

    Apostrophe 's Buddy Icon Apostrophe

    Posted about 1 month ago

    I enjoyed your forray into childhood. A vivid imagination is the mark of a good writer. And that is exactly what you became. Excellent entry. Perhaps feature worthy

  5. I Want To Be A Hero (When I Grow Up Challenge)

    thebetweenspace's Buddy Icon thebetweenspace

    Posted about 1 month ago

    The thing I think is most tragic in life is that we think to equate adulthood with sacrificing imagination and all the greatest qualities of childhood. I’ve noticed most kids aren’t afraid to try new things, but most adults limit themselves by their experience of what they think is reality. I never wanna grow up… at least not completely! The imagination will always rule… Thanks for the positive comments…

  6. I Want To Be A Hero (When I Grow Up Challenge)

    thebetweenspace's Buddy Icon thebetweenspace

    Posted about 1 month ago

    BTW , didn’t mean to type ‘think’, meant to type ‘seem’ in that prior synopsis…

  7. I Want To Be A Hero (When I Grow Up Challenge)

    flute faerie's Buddy Icon flute faerie

    Posted about 1 month ago

    Ya, I agree with that. Everyone thinks growing up is just a big reality check. Who knows. But this was a really good story, with a very good hidden moral. I think you could be a hero if you wanted to. Nothing is impossible!

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