I’ve been thinking a lot about courage lately.
It’s a word with many meanings.
It comes in many forms.
It inspires, it intimidates, it empowers.
…
I have seen courage up close and personal since I can remember.
A natural part of him, quietly coiled upon his shoulder until needed to CRACK someone (himself or others) into action. It’s something he has never let go of. He cannot. He will not.
…
As I walked into the world, my chosen work (in the media) forced me into uncomfortable proximity to the kind of courage that made the news.
The kind of courage that destroys and scars in the name of honour.
The variety shown in terminally ill children that brings world-weary rock stars to their knees.
The kind that sought attention for their cause, braving the threat of scorn.
…
Still later, as my world shrank down into a family of my own,
my son taught me so much more about courage that the sum total of those that had come before.
His brand of courage saw him stalwart in the face of unimaginable, inexplicable, inconsolable pain. To emerge victorious.
Uncowed.
Bright-eyed.
His courage is innate and unconscious.
Spontaneous. Apparent just in living.
Even though he doesn’t yet understand his own brand of courage.
…
And my darling Violet (TLW)…
whose courage is in her strength of will…
an intimidating weapon she has yet to master.
Her courage is also in her choices of accessory…
And her conviction that shoes must ALWAYS be on the wrong feet.
…
I have been honoured to stand by friends who have invited me to help them document a time when they were forced to find that
unspeakable courage to let go.
When letting go…
…was the last thing they ever wanted to do.
..
And lately I have been inspired and wrenched by more courage.
From people I have never met.
People I may never meet.
(Although not if I can help it).
…
Who has risen above the ashes of almighty tragedy, not once, but twice.
Able to poetically share her story, her kewl kids, her journey.
Able to still breathe.
And to live with understanding and hope in her heart.
…
And people like the
beautiful Debby.
A woman who lives at the other end of the earth from me.
Yet whose life seems intertwined somehow with mine.
Whose words I inhale daily.
Whose courage and eloquence and
raw ferocity in the face of her
current foe floors me.
(Her incredible generosity is another story, for another post, another day.)
…
For Al and Deb and the countless others who find the courage to share their tales (both happy and sad and tragic and joyful) to inspire us all …
Thankyou.
This last image is for Alison.
Just because she loves it.
And it’s all I can really offer her at the moment.
…
Here is a quote offered by Scotty (thanks!) which must be shared:
Courage doesn’t always roar.
Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says
I’ll try again tomorrow.
~Mary Anne Radmacher
25 Comments
Natarojo
I must say that was beautifully written. You are a very thoughtfull caring person and that alone makes you beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Oh, and love the watermark!
Debby
Speaking of courage, what about your courage in dealing with a potential life threatening situation with your first born child? I’d rather deal with my own cancer than to deal with one of my children having a major health crisis… That’s courage…
A Novel Woman
Beautiful, stirring, enriching, amazing post Ms BB. You are awesome.
I spent half the day reading Debby’s blog and yes, she is something, isn’t she?
Strange how we all find each other, around the world, so far away and yet….
Take care, you.
jeanie
Hey sister – there is heaps of courage in a certain sibling of mine also that doesn’t always get told – from when she was in high school, driving far North for fun, far West for fun, South on a whim to celebrate a big birthday, (it would take sheer stupidity to drive too far East), making the choice to switch courses in Uni, taking on fundraising challenges (ignoring snide comments from the peanut gallery), starting a new life in the middle of Summer in the middle of nowhere, overcoming personal medical dramas, supporting a parent through her journey, wandering the world, approaching a job prospect with a poem, falling in love with a younger man, allowing love back in after a keloid scar of hurt, getting up again after being knocked down by a dog and a specialist, chasing dreams and catching them and even attempting to epilady her sister (since forgiven) and do her make-up (much appreciated for the love).
Hugs.
Alison
I’d love to hear about the courage in the sister Jeanie is talking about. That would fill me with hope.
Amazing how different we are in other people’s eyes – hey BB?
I really do love that photo. Thanks 🙂
Bush Babe
I have been well and truly ‘outed’… thanks Jeanie!! Some of that list hints at my version of reality, but from my angle it looked less like courage than absolute necessity…
Alison – I will write about more of the above one day. It’s funny, because so many people who know me well read this blog. I’ll work out what needs to be told… soon. You are courage personified to me.
Pam – thankyou. Your opinion means a lot to me. So pleased you have discovered the magic of Deb too. She is one of the strongest women I know.
Debby – doncha hate it when everyone is talking about you as if you aren’t even in the room?? Sorry, but I had to pay tribute to you and Alison. I’ll go back to taking the p*** shortly.
Oh and Jeanie – those last two things? THEY took real courage!!! Heh.
🙂
BB
Bush Babe
PS Natarojo… THANKS! And thanks for hopping on board the Granite Glen express.
🙂
BB
HR
Doing what is necessary often takes the greatest courage. Doing it without expecting praise or recognition constitutes caracter, a quality that seems to be present in abundance around this blog.
–HR
Scotty
Great shots, BB.
And one of my favourite quotes about courage…
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow. ~Mary Anne Radmacher
Jayne
The strength of the the human spirit always amazes me.
Pencil Writer
Okay, pass the Kleenex, please. I’ll add my “beautiful post” to all the others. Beautiful, Bush Babe (Elasta Girl–however you spell that). You do and have stretched, haven’t you.
Thank you. *sniff, sniff*
Kate
Wow what a great post. I also am amazed at courage and all the people around me who have so much of it. I’m so grateful to you for introducing me Debby and Alison and their amazing stories. That pic of Dash brought tears to my eyes! My best friend is a NICU Nurse and i don’t know how she does it everyday. I’m so glad that he is such a strong little boy and now shares his beautiful smile with us!
Trish
BB what a beautiful post.
All of them true examples of courage and the determination of the human spirit to keep hanging in there when they are at the end of a rope.
Dash has the most amazing smile and Violet is so darn cute.
rhubarbwhine
Your search for courage – my search for grace…. how we quest, BB
Pony Girl
Nice post BB…love the quote at the end. The pics of your incredibles are precious!
I wish I was more courageous! How do you get there? I’m not sure it’s in my nature, or in my genetic make-up. I want to be brave. But I’m mostly not. A good goal to work towards, I suppose!
jeanie
I am being corageous – tagging you for a meme on mine 🙂
Bush Babe
HR – you make me blush, kind sir! Oh, there is plenty of character round these parts… and LOTS of characters!!
Scotty – as you can see I adored your quoted and promptly stole it for the post! That is it, exactly! Thanks.
Jayne – me too. May it NEVER cease to astound us.
PW – thanks. THe tragedy would be if we didn’t notice, wouldn’t it?
Kate – I agree. ICU nurses need medals at any time. Those that care for kids… they are saints. Especially to the parents of those kids.
Trish – thanks. They are pretty darned cute to me. Something would be dreadfully amiss if they weren’t, eh??
Shirley – what an intriguing comment. I suppose I quest. I hope never to stop noticing the best of human nature. I cannot see grace in myself. Interesting… *holds forefinger to lips*.
PG – as Deb has said, and as I have said, courage doesn’t come until the chips are really down. I hope you never need it. I am wqually sure that if you do, it will be there.
Jeanie – courage indeed. I just DID one of these blinkin’ things. (And I hope Mum’s not looking for typos here!! Heh.)
🙂
BB
Wrensong Farm
What a wonderful post…it had me reaching for the kleenix too. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and beautiful photos.
Portia
LOVE that picture of your hand and baby feet. It’s so effective in black and white.
Debbie is courageous and her attitude amazes me each day.
steviewren
Great post! I find encouragement in reading Debby’s can do attitude. Thanks for writing about all the inspiring people in your life…you included.
Cactus Jack Splash
Absolutely beautifully written
Bush Babe
Debby … see?? Not just me that thinks so! Accept the compliment already!! (Hugs)
WF … glad I touched you. Didn’t really mean to make y’all cry. Makes ME cry a bit, cause it’s close to home.
Portia… that hand belongs to a woman who has gone through more than any Mum should ever have to. One day, if she’s OK with it, I may write more about her. There were many beautiful moments from that day. This one always speaks to me…
Steviewren .. you are most welcome. I am holding your comment in front of me the next time Debby starts getting all “ME?? Courageous?? Nah!”
CJS … you are too sweet *blushes*
Sabra
Well, here I sit at work, sniffling and wiping my eyes. What a beautiful post. Your photos and tender writing are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing.
Diane L. Dodd
I made you spit coffee, you made me tear up.
Now we’re even.
Wow.
What a beautiful post.
Carolynn
Wow. That was really beautiful. And touching. I don’t know any of these people, yet your compassionate, loving words serve as a wonderful introduction.
I feel a hug coming on. :o)
Carolynn