When it gets right down to brass tacks I am only brave when I have no other choice and only after I have freaked out, practically $hit myself worrying about it, and am forced to handle myself by someone else or by circumstance. I am scared of roller coasters and other scary rides and refuse to ride them although I have before. I don’t like scary movies and refuse to brave watching them although I have done that too. I would never strap on a parachute and jump out of an airplane for the thrill of it. I am scared of heights and doubt I would ever put myself into a situation testing whether I could overcome it unless I needed to save someone I loved. I endured abuse for years at the hands of my ex husband but one day overcame my fear to bravely offer myself up in sacrifice so he wouldn’t hurt my mom.
I bravely have faced what I have had to whether it is surgeries, death, or loneliness. I have faced the terror of being raped and survived because I didn’t have a choice. I have bravely stayed alone when everyone else worried I shouldn’t simply because it was better to get used to the inevitable than putting it off. I have overcome the fear of being alone and found solace within myself when everyone else insisted I needed others to be happy. I bravely face each day of life with optimism counting my blessings.
I think a person does what they have to do in life. You don’t think about it. You just do it. From somewhere deep within you draw the strength needed. You summon courage from that same deep place. You do what is right and appropriate. It is as simple as that. Whether it constitutes true bravery or not, I have no idea. I am like the brave little kitten in the video taking on the huge dog. I refuse to be intimidated…therefore I can be brave if need be until next time when I give you another glimpse into the life of a trucker’s wife.
