Brave…?

What is is to be Strong, to be Brave? 

Oh, this is a loaded question. I dont believe there is one factual answer to it. Bravery is defined different between individuals.

In the popular Disney movie, Brave, the main character goes against her families traditional and cultural values. This takes immense bravery. She defies norms and faces fears to protect what she loves.

My most recent experience with bravery and strength looks a little different, though.

If you examine the photos above, you wouldnt know at first, but this is the strongest and bravest story I’ve ever seen anyone go through. My mother finally found happiness after years and years of being single since my parents divorced when I was young. In the first two photos with her you see Tony, her husband. They had been together for 2 years, married for about 2 weeks. A month into their journey as a couple, Tony got diagnosed with cancer. My mom stayed, she stayed strong and brave, even when absolutely shattered. In the middle anf right images, you can see their wedding. This took place in June, about 1 day before Tony passed away. My mom went to the wedding venue and partied with guests without her husband because he was too weak to make it out of bed, though they did get a lovely ceremony in his hospice room. We all had to be brave, I lost my stepdad, and I had to be strong for my mom and for my stepsiblings as they lost the most impactful person in their lives. This isny my sob story, though.

Be brave, recognize bravery on a small scale. Please, always be aware that someone around you is being brave and strong even if it’s not the “superhero” definition of bravery.