Looking at my ten year old son, lost in his world of Transformers, brought me back in time to when every kid I know wanted to be Superman or Spiderman or any kind of hero who possesses power and strength to save the world. And then we all grow up and live in the real world. Now,my son is living in his super hero world. Anything can be save when you have Transformers. I'm sure deep down in everyone's mind, they are wishing that these superheroes exists in the real world. I do. Wouldn't it be wonderful when Superman could use his powers and stop all the terrorists from inflicting all the pain and fear amongst us? Or a real Batman always ready to fight crime in the Singa City? Sigh! What a thought!
So I despair. Not because my thoughts were completely,utterly nuts but I despair because at my age of thirty nine, I'm still hoping for a hunky chunk of beef in red briefs to save the world.
But then it happened! I actually met my superhero. He's still quite a hunk for his age; charming I must say. But my super hero is not so perfect though. He insists on wearing his red briefs on the inside and doesn't own any fancy mobile. He takes the bus! How exciting. But these imperfections are nothing compared to his great smile that lights up anybody's day especially children. And most importantly is his heart, that touches anything big or small that comes his way.
My hero is Joseph Lai or as children would fondly call him, Uncle Joe. Joe, is an ordinary, simple guy and a botanist by nature. In 2000, while taking a group of school girls on a guided walk, he discovered something that others have missed. The abundance of life right before his eyes. He was speechless at the sight of marine life on the coastal area of Check Jawa. He could not wait to spread the words. But alas, to his disappointment, he discovered that the area was to be reclaimed.
But Joe will not keep quiet about this. He went out on a limb and stood up in front of Mr Mah Bow Tan, during a forum and voice out exactly how he feels about Check Jawa. He then spread the words to his sidekicks, who then help to circulate the news. Then came the appeals and petitions; samples and datas were collected. And just when they thought they were fighting a losing battle, Mr Mah gave the good news! Check Jawa will not be reclaimed! My hero has won a battle! No hidden super power was used, no buildings destroyed and no one was harm. Just his sincerity and inner strength.
After the ordeal, Joe encourages people to always speak up for what they believe in and not to be frightened by ridicule or even cowered by the authority. Thanks to him, Check Jawa is thriving and being well look after by people who shares a common passion; to protect and love what God has bestowed us. His continuous search of what Mother Nature has to offer and his willingness to share his knowledge with anyone make him a great teacher to all of us. You can trust him to appear when something needs saving even if it is a tree. Some people might think it as being silly and a waste of time. But that's what being a superhero is all about. Everything, big or small must matter to you and that is important. If everyone can see this, don't you think the world would be a better place? Even Superman saves the cat on the tree!
My hero has taught me a great deal on how to live life. He believes that simplicity is always the best and that being imperfect is not such a bad thing. Through him, life is more meaningful when the smallest and insignificant thing can make you happy.
It is through his eyes, that the children of today can see the wonders of Nature that surrounds us that we adults choose to ignore. My hope is that my children will continue to believe in their superheroes and that one day the superheroes will be in them. Just like Uncle Joe.