There are many people in the world that feel they grew up with Harry Potter – they did. I feel the same way with Dick Grayson. He and I were finishing high school and going to college at the same time. Toward the time he became Nightwing was the time that I came out of the closet. Dick’s fictional life was important to my real-life experiences. It’s nice to have fictional characters to relate with and trust.

Trust

“You know me better than that, Babs… That means you have to TRUST me AND Yourself.” - Nightwing *

Richard (Dick) John Grayson is best known for being the “first” Robin for Batman. His family was part of the Haley Circus as the Flying Graysons. Because of a racketeer scheme his family was killed, and Dick was adopted by Bruce Wayne, Batman. Dick became the first Robin. Eventually Dick needed to let go of being Robin and grow up. He took up the name Nightwing. Nightwing has always been a nice foil to Batman’s dark nature. Cut from the same cloth Batman and Nightwing have one major difference – Trust. As Robin or Nightwing Dick has been part of all the major Superhero Teams – Teen Titans, Titans, Justice League and The Outsiders. He has learned to trust his friends and in turn they have learned to trust him. Even Batman has learned to trust a little because of Nightwing.

What is “trust”? Webster’s Dictionary says, Trust as a noun is “reliance on the integrity strength, ability surety, of a person or thing; confidence.” The definition continues with, “confident expectation of something; hope.” If we want trust and if we want people to trust us we must suit up and show up. We have to keep appointments, make phone calls, open up to our feelings and just be there when we are needed. Trust is difficult to acquire and maintain. The one person we know best is ourselves – we can trust that we know best for ourselves. Trust starts within.

Nightwing
First Appearance: As Robin, Detective Comics #38, 1940 DC Comics

First Appearance: As Nightwing, Tales of the Teen Titans #44, July 1984
Creators: (Robin) Bob Kane (plot), Bill Finger (script), and Jerry Robinson (art).

* Nightwing, Birds of Prey #8,”On Wings”, August 1999, DC Comics