Thursday, May 31, 2012

Courage!

What a difference a year makes!

It is birthday/anniversary season at our house.  Taylor Beth recently celebrated a 7th milestone.  Birthdays always invite reflection for me.  

Courage!  It's the one word that comes to mind when I think of the life you've lived this year, my dear.  I must stand by and watch as you determine who you are and who you want to be.  It is no easy task for a 6 year old.  It takes courage.  So, in the words of the Cowardly Lion...

"Courage! What makes a king out of a slave? 
Courage! What makes the flag on the mast to wave? 
Courage! What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist, or the dusky dusk? 
What makes the muskrat guard his musk? 
 Courage! What makes the sphinx the seventh wonder? 
Courage! What makes the dawn come up like thunder? 
 
Courage! What makes the Hottentot so hot? What puts the "ape" in apricot?
Courage!"

I have not always lived my life courageously.  I have passed on opportunities for lack of it.  But being your Mama has made me brave.  
Strengthened my faith.
Taken me to the end of me.
Brought clarity to what really matters
Who I am and who I want to be.

Thank you for the gift of courage.  You are a gift.  We are grateful for you.

2 comments:

Kitty Brown said...

Happy day to TB -- and beautiful words (and pictures), Joy.

The Healing Garden said...

Beautiful. Although this post references the courage TB has given you, let me assure you that you have had a courage of your own well before. Were it not for your pressing on to be who you were created to be, I would not be who I am. Your courage has inspired me. I love you now. I loved you then.