What is it about kids and puzzles? They seem made for each other. My kids have always loved taking the box of pieces and ending up with a picture.
I think puzzles are a good analogy for life. You get a box of pieces that are all jumbled up and don't make much sense, but with a little time and effort, things start to come together.
And then, at some point, you have a beautiful picture and you can see that each piece had a place and a meaning.
I don't believe that everything happens for a reason. Having a handicapped child cured me of that. My Superman did not deserve to have feet that don't do all the things he wants them to do, and I do not believe that he was given this burden to better his life or to better the lives of others. Of COURSE his life would be better without his handicap, and inflicting pain and discomfort on an innocent child in order to better the lives of others seems very cruel. The God I believe in does not do that.
However, I do think that Superman (and we, as his parents) have the power to make something very good come out of this challenge. Superman has inspired many people with his positive attitude and his cheery disposition, and I am sure he will continue to inspire others throughout his life. He does not let his feet stop him from attempting anything -- and accomplishing many things. He inspires me to attempt the impossible in my own life.
And this, I think, is how Superman is taking the jumbled box of mismatched pieces that were given to him by fate and circumstance, and turning it into an unexpectedly beautiful picture.
