“Courage is found in unlikely places.”
~ J.R.R. Tolkien
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
~ Anais Nin
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
~ Lao Tzu
“Scared is what you’re feeling. Brave is what you’re doing.”
~ Emma Donoghue
Today’s blog is a personal reflection and tribute to my oldest brother. Clark passed away (4 years ago) after a long and courageous battle with ALS. Today he would have been 73. I, unexpectedly, found courage in my brother’s journey as he lived with an unforgivable disease. He made a promise to himself to live while he died. He kept that promise in spite of ALS. He had a relentless drive for innovation. He held himself to a courageous pursuit of quality and dignity for his life.
For twenty years, in public forums and advocacy opportunities, I was his voice! I spoke about his life with ALS and always about his courage and strength. I developed a relentless pursuit for his care and the dignity in his life he so courageously sought despite a healthcare system that consistently and constantly disappointed. I was proud to be by his side.
So today I ask that you notice the places of courage in your life! Know that feeling scared is okay and that each day your actions are brave!
“Without ALS I would never have discovered myself and my courage.”
~ Clark Lavender
Written by: Deborah Lavender, BMG Senior Consultant
Image Copyright: yuriz, www.123rf.com
