When I was little, I thought my dad was a superhero. He was the biggest guy I had ever seen. I grew up watching a lot of cartoons. Speed Racer, Spiderman, Scooby Doo, and the Flintstones were daily favorites.

But nothing replaced the superheroes that came on every Saturday morning. The Superfriends were billed as “the world’s four greatest heroes.” I saw my dad on the same level as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman.

He was so strong and it seemed like he could do anything. He could hit a golf ball a mile and swim the length of the pool underwater without coming up for air. He could pick up my sisters and me at one time, tickle us, and throw us around like a rag dolls. He gave great hugs.

I grew up to learn that he was mortal and had faults, too. I got to spend more time around him and even worked with him for seven years. Over that time, I learned that he possessed some truly special abilities. He was exceedingly generous with everyone in his extended family. He loved great food and was a wonderful boss to his employees. Every person who knew him considered him easy-going and big-hearted.

It is so easy to focus on our problems and weaknesses. When I became a parent myself, I felt completely useless at times. I had never felt so clueless and out of my element. Things got easier when my kids started moving around on their own and feeding themselves. But there were still moments when I felt like I was making it up as I went along, trying desperately not to screw it up.

Years later I learned that I was doing a lot of things right. I just didn’t notice or give myself credit. I was so focused on the helpless feelings that I couldn’t fully see all of the amazing times we were having. I could get lost in play with my kids. There were so many unexpected hilarious situations. And there were a million tender moments when their little faces turned up to mine to ask for something. Man, I wish I had Google Glasses back then to record some of those requests.

Now I can claim some superpowers myself. I have an intense love of learning, authenticity, and a contagious enthusiasm for life. Thanks to The Good Men Project, I was given the opportunity to tell about my dad in front of a live audience in New York City. It was an amazing experience, allowing me to “walk the walk” by going out on a limb and embracing my superpowers of courage and honesty.