My grandparents were my biggest role models. They were the only strong positive influence in my young life. My grandma passed in 2008 when I was 15. I lost one of my role models right as I needed one most.
I read a lot of C.S. Lewis, so I suppose you could say he was someone I looked up to. And Julie Andrews was my musical hero. I wanted to sound like her, but I also wanted to be like her. She is a magnificent and beautiful woman, and I still want to be like her.
I don’t remember who, but someone gave me a copy of Iron Man that had been released that year. I was instantly enamored. For the next 11 years Marvel spun an elaborate tale of struggle and triumph. These flawed and broken characters who overcame and defeated their enemies became my role models. It didn’t matter that they were fictional. It didn’t matter they might of had problems, that just made them all the more real to me. I looked up to them and tried to emulate them. Especially Tony Stark. Its made pretty plain that Tony had anxiety. He had deep fears and serious regret. That he struggled. But he still got up everyday and put on the suit. He overcame. His character resonated so deeply with me and he became my personal role model, and of course my favorite Avenger.
It came to the big conclusion, the Endgame. When Tony sacrificed himself, it felt like an end, closure. 11 years I’d been following this hero through his arc, and now it was over. A month later is when my only other real life personal role model, my grandpa, passed. Almost like the true end of this part of my journey. Tony came along exactly when I needed him, and I don’t need him like I used to. I grew up in those 11 years. I faced my own anxiety and deep set fears. I graduated school, got married, had children.
Grandpa got to see all of his grandchildren grown and happy. Thats what he remembers last. His granchildren and great grandchildren giggling and happy around him. He was at peace.
Tony got to see his efforts repair the catastrophe Thanos had caused. He got to see his daughter, he got to see Peter. He saved the universe and he was able to rest.
I will always love Iron Man forever and always. I will always love Marvel for providing a hero for me at the perfect time, even though they have no way of knowing I needed it. I will hold a special place for RDJ for bringing the character to life. I will always love and cherish my grandparents for providing the true role models I needed direct contact with. My personal superheros.
Dose of Sunshine 