“He knows a hero when he sees one. Too few characters out there, flying around like that, saving old girls like me. And Lord knows, kids like Henry need a hero. Courageous, self-sacrificing people. Setting examples for all of us. Everybody loves a hero. People line up for them, cheer them, scream their names. And years later, they’ll tell how they stood in the rain for hours just to get a glimpse of the one who taught them how to hold on a second longer. I believe there’s a hero in all of us, that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble, and finally allows us to die with pride, even though sometimes we have to be steady, and give up the thing we want the most. Even our dreams.” – Aunt May Parker (Spider-Man 2 (2004))

Spider-Man 2 is the best superhero film of all time for how it tackles the human experience. When I first watched this film as a child I didn’t understand the underlying themes of what Peter’s struggles had meant to the story. Whether he was dealing with stress, poverty, school, and work-life balance that gets interrupted by being a superhero, self-doubt, and broken relationships. Being a superhero in Peter’s case doesn’t pay the bills.

After 20 years since the initial release of Spider-Man 2, I’ve come to understand how beautiful this story has related to me as I reached adulthood. I realized that juggling too many responsibilities can affect your mental and physical health, work life, relationships, finances, and studies.

No matter how strong of a superhero Peter is, he’s still human dealing with the problems of the real world. I am sure all of us can relate to being crushed by our responsibilities, yet the underlying theme I forgot to mention is holding on to hope.

As you watch the film, you’ll understand how hope shows up later when Aunt May gives that power to Peter when he no longer sees the need to be Spider-Man again. Listening to Aunt May talk to Peter at that moment in the film made me tear up. My best friend sent me a clip of that scene when I was going through a tough moment in my life. She reminded me, “You’re a hero to us; we always need you, Josh.”

I remember telling her this:

I teared up inside of my heart by this (referring to what she said to me) and the video clip. I really needed to hear those words because this week I’ve been slowly crumbling with a lot of responsibilities and everyday insecurities.

It feels like I’m Peter Parker/ Spider-Man trying to carry the weight of the world. By being responsible, a good person, and doing the right thing while helping others with their own problems.

Thank you soo much for your kindness and for the video clip. You’re one of the people in my life that keeps me going during these times of trials and difficulties. You’re also my hero, and I always need you as well.