Courage is a young boy continuing to pick up a pencil and draw even after his critics have laughed at his efforts. It's a young girl feeling pretty with a new ribbon in her hair even though her dress is old and tattered.
I've seen mothers and fathers overcome tremendous obstacles, believing they had failed their children, only to have their courage restored by the happy determination present in such small eyes.
Acts of courage and bravery are recognizable when the sources of those impressive drives are close, kept somewhere in our hearts or in our thoughts, but what happens when those things are taken away and the world is no longer what you thought it was?
This crisis will come to end and somehow, those of us that are willing, that are capable, and that are determined will pick up the pieces of this changed environment so that normal is no longer distancing.
It will be found in simple things like a hug, or a conversation with a stranger over a plain cup of coffee (a shot of whiskey with that coffee works wonders).
No one was prepared for an event that required everyone to be brave at same time and so it cannot be a wonder that strength failed where it was never developed. However, we are building ourselves now, relying on a courage born not from fear of ridicule or embarrassment or pride, but wisdom.
We didn't know what to do before this pandemic hit; however, I am filled with assurance that we will be well prepared when such a trial hits us again.
To be as safe and as concerned as we can for one another takes a pretty epic leap of courage from us all. I am looking forward because even during this time of uncertainty, I know this time will pass, and there should be no shame in our accomplishment for having survived.
Photo by Jiarong Deng