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Being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. Being brave means doing something even though you are scared.
This line from Franklin Goes to the Hospital has stayed with me for years. I believe some of the greatest wisdom can be found in children’s books. Probably why I believe that Theodor Geisel was one of the wisest men of our times.
That quote has served our family well through the years. It has become something of a mantra as we head into rough times. Each one in our family knows its meaning well.
When I sat with my dad as he passed away I would silently say it to myself. As Carter wheels into the operating room he repeats it to himself.
and I want to pass it on to you.
Because I have so many brave friends, doing things even though they are scared. Bravery shows itself in women in awe inspiring ways.
From the 82 year old mother who leaves her long time home to spend the later part of her life near family, giving up all that is familiar and comfortable.
To the mother who is both fighting an incurable illness yet still bravely planning for the day it will probably win.
Shining examples of bravery surround us. We recognize its tell-tale signs when we see it in news stories, the firefighters and soldiers. But I would like to challenge you to think of people in your life. The unsung heroes that grace us each day.
- The mother fighting fibro back to be the best example to her daughter she can be.
- The mother sending their child into the operating room with only a 50% success rate.
- The father who goes to work each morning to support his family, doing a job they may not like, but makes enough money to keep the mother home.
- The mother holding her childs hand as they walk their favorite dog into the vet because it is time for it to ‘sleep’.
- The parents unloading boxes into a dorm room for the first time
These are the people that lift us up and make us whole. Their everyday acts of bravery inspire us to be the best people we can be.
Bravery and inspiration is all around us-if only we take the time to recognize it for what it is.
Who is your unsung hero? Who quietly inspires you? I could use some inspiration so please tell their story in the comments
Barb, what a beautiful post that brought me to tears. So many have had so many difficult things to face in the past few years. So many are brave. I have said it before, I so admire your and Carter’s bravery for everything you both must face everyday. He is one amazing kid!
He is 🙂 Can’t help but be inspired by kiddo’s like him.
And you, my dear, totally get a brave reward too!
Barb, coming to read your blog, most evenings, has become a ritual for me. A time to take a deep breath, read, reflect & know that I am not alone in the small ways in which coping & getting through the day.
I am inspired by the kindness of strangers, simply put. While there is so much ugly in the world, sometimes a small gesture by a stranger, really helps warm my heart.
My mother inspires me, both exemplifying strength & bravery, yet never forgetting to have a sense of humor. You remind me a great deal of her, Barb.
Now, I am officially OLD. I have been compared to someones mother! 😛
No, honestly, thank you so very much for the beautiful compliment.
and you are right, sometimes it can be the smallest of things that make the biggest differences in our days-
My daughter has always been my inspiration,her strength,intellect,passion for life ability to look ahead leads to my very being. I’m blessed a gift she has always been.Thank you love you forever