I Have Enough Courage for You Too.

I can see it now. When I was younger I didn’t have enough experience to know that what I was doing was courageous. I was just going along in the world being me. People would say, “you are so courageous”. I didn’t understand, but I can look back now and see how brave I have been. 

In First grade there was a line for the two water fountains but no one would drink after the kid with “cooties”. I did. I walked right up to that fountain and took long slow sips. Quenching my thirst for justice. 

In high school I convinced the owner of a local restaurant that I could do the job of dishwasher. He thought a girl would be too weak. I made a point to stack and carry more than necessary; proof for me, him and every girl that would follow me. 

At University I paid every single dime, every single semester. I decided that is what I wanted and I did it. 

When my first husband showed his true colors I didn’t wait around to see if he would change. I left for myself and for the family I have now. 

I have a long list of rivers crossed, mountains climbed and precipices traversed. Increasingly my mentors and colleagues are pressing me to share. I am beginning to understand why. I see how my courage can serve you. When you are hurt. When you have decided you are not worth it. When you don’t have the bandwidth of take another breath. I will. I can. I have enough courage for you.