A few years ago my son, Graydon, won an award at his school for most improved student. He was presented a plaque and a little medal for his accomplishments. Shortly afterwards he asked me if I had ever received an award for anything. No, I replied, not that I could ever recall in my entire life. Here, you can have this, as he handed me his little medal. I told him no but he insisted. I was grateful for his act of kindness but to be honest, it didn’t have much impact on me at the time.
It was only a couple of years later when I was in a dark time in my life that I came across that little metal in my bedroom nightstand. I was losing my courage to deal with life. Things were not going as planned. That award, Graydon passed on to me, represented his love and confidence in me as his father.
Life takes courage. At times when we expect it, like when we lose someone we love, or when we make the critical decision to change careers or relationships. And life takes courage, still, in those moments that, although smaller, define who we are. When we stand up for injustice, or finally find our voice after what seemed like years of searching for it. We feel victorious because we're no longer rendered silent.
But maybe, unlike me, courage isn't what you need right now. Maybe you need love, or joy, or hope, or laughter. Or maybe you just need a little medal to remind yourself every day just how beautiful you are. Nevermind those folks who will say that's vain. Just tell them it's part of your therapy and hand them a medal.
1 comment:
This is one of the most touching posts you have ever written. I remember going through that time, and I did not know the whole story of that beautiful act of love. We have an awesome son with a heart of gold. I am so proud of both of you, and my heart just overflows with love.
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