Today I am celebrating the one-year anniversary of my affair with Superman. Yup, it was on this day one year ago that I entered into a deeply committed relationship with dreamy British hunk, Henry Cavill. It's true I don't actually know Henry Cavill, and he certainly doesn't know who I am, nevertheless, over the past 12 months we have become very close. In fact, I can say with certainty that Henry Cavill, almost singlehandedly, has gotten me through a year of political angst, social media addiction (sort of), and pandemic isolation.
Now, for the record, I'm fully aware that I am one in a legion of Cavill fans, numbering in the millions. However, it's of interest to note that one year and one day ago, I had never heard of Henry Cavill. As with most love affairs, it began innocently enough. I was just a clueless Netflix member who wandered into a new series titled "The Witcher", when our eyes met across my living room rug. I won't detail what happened next here, but if you are interested, I wrote a somewhat lengthy blog about the early days of our relationship back in February titled "Adventures in Instagram...or How Henry Cavill Ruined My Life". The abbreviated version of this blog is how my determination to master Instagram collided with the massive social media presence of a Hollywood sex symbol.
Then came March and Covid, and what had been a fun, brief flirtation with fandom, became a virtual lifeline in the months of isolation that followed. Oh sure, I had books to read, masks to sew, every television streaming service you can name, hell, I even resorted to puzzles and organizing every closet and cabinet in my house! But, truth be told, it was Henry's handsome face that got me out of bed every morning. Before my coffee was brewed, before MSNBC's Morning Joe, before checking my email or taking my blood pressure medication, I scanned the internet for anything Henry. Had he posted anything new on Instagram? What was Netflix saying about the filming of Witcher Season Two? What photos of Henry were the countless fan sites posting? Over the course of the next seven months, I, occasionally, commented on his posts, wrote blogs about his cooking and home decor, became Facebook friends with a few fellow fans, and even paid tribute to his beloved Kansas City Chiefs with a custom cookie. I'll stop short of admitting that I was obsessed, but I'm pretty sure I could kick ass in a Henry Cavill trivia contest.
The real test of the bond between me and Henry came during the presidential election. My anxiety over the political drama playing out on my TV and, basically, the fate of my country in the balance, had me wondering if my affection for HC could endure as my distraction safety net. The Netflix movie, "Enola Holmes", with Henry playing the role of Sherlock Holmes. had gotten us over the hump in September, but filming on Witcher's second season had resumed and, presumably because he was busy working, there were no new posts or fan sightings to report. Just as I had resigned myself to going it alone, there he was on Instagram, jogging around some lake on location, all smiles and muscles and slightly breathless British accent. And, as if on cue, the sun came out and, somewhere, church bells were ringing (actually, I know where, because I live two blocks from the church).
And, that brings us to today, Sweet Henry, our one-year anniversary. Of course, like all torrid affairs that burn red hot in the beginning, ours was sure to cool off with the passage of time. Now, instead of my little heart skipping a beat over a photo of a stray curl falling across your forehead, I see recent photos of you and think, "Gee, he looks a little tired, I hope he's getting enough rest", and "For God's sake, Henry, put on a sweater, you'll catch your death!" Yes, Henry, we've officially moved into the friends zone, but, I'm completely certain I couldn't have made it through this past year without you, and for that, I am your devoted fan. In the words of our divine goddess, Dolly Parton, I will always love you.
XOXO,
Sally
P.S. The traditional one year anniversary gift is paper...just sayin'.
P.P.S. All kidding aside, this has been a hard year for us all, Dear Hearts. I am wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season and looking forward to a brighter future for us all in the new year. Much love, SEH.
