Do not let your fire go out,
spark by irreplaceable spark,
in the hopeless swamps of the approximate,
the not-quite,
the not-yet,
the not-at-all.
Do not let the hero in your soul perish,
in lonely frustration for the life you deserved,
but have never been able to reach.
Check your road and the nature of your battle.
The world you desired can be won.
It exists,
it is real,
it is possible,
it is yours.
Ayn Rand
This is Caroline on the beach of Sydney, Australia. She has been waiting for the perfect moment in which to take a bracelet photo. Its there on her wrist. And do you know what the occasion was that day? I am using an excerpt from her mother's email to me:
"Caroline completed her first ocean swim (1.6 kilometers in not so favorable conditions!). She was terrified of this swim as we are pool swimmers and tend to stay in the safety zones when we go to the beach. She put on one of the pink lace bracelets from last year and used it as her badge of courage... most of the morning was an adrenaline filled haze in which she and the other swimmers were simply trying to avoid taking in a mouthful of sea water - but your spirit was definitely felt as she conquered something mind-numbingly terrifying for her."
Is that not the face of courage? Of determination, and strength. Every time one of you who is reading now, shares your stories of triumph, and overcoming obstacles, its truly I who am inspired.
Way to go Caroline! You are a true warrior girl! I hope you always remember the feeling of being terrified, but swimming anyway. I hope you'll continue to build on this experience and never let fear keep you in the "safe zone," of life. Its okay to be afraid, but just do it anyway.
I came home from chemo yesterday to this. Nolan came into my bedroom saying "I let you sleep for awhile, but mom, I KNOW you will want to see this" He was right. It was a beautifully wrapped present and hand made card. And do you see the double meaning? For a flip-flop loving, beach worshipping, Palm tree adoring, girl- this present of light shone brightly at just the perfect moment. Thank you Steph!
I also heard the "cookie fairy" stopped by and the only evidence I have of that is an empty plate! Obviously, Angie, the cookies were awesome! These were in addition to brownies from my Aunt Carol, and monster cookies from Heidi last week. You all know how to love on us!
The cards and texts and emails just keep coming and hope keeps attaching to them. Hope, along with gratitude is building a bridge for me... to the possible. All is grace, and all is possible.
"All is grace, and all is possible." Amen.
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE that girl and her fear and her overcoming and the "LIGHT" picture is gorgeous. I want to make one now of a special time in OUR lives. Lovely post, Miss Vicky! Hugs to you.
Wonderful post Vicky.
ReplyDeleteSo nice and sunny in Australia. Must be summer. :)
And you let me know when you want the blog to reflect all this light :-)
ReplyDeleteVicky...I hope that you are doing well today. I have been thinking of you knowing that you had chemo on Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jackie
I love that Ayn Rand poem. It shimmers with possibilities.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful example of courage Caroline is showing us together with you. She felt terrified and did it the same.
ReplyDeleteYour strength is a constant reminder to me Vicky, of how it can be done. You are such an inspiration :-)
Your last couple lines...you sure know how to pick em, Vicky. You know just how to wrap things up. Beautiful and poignant. How do you pack so much meaning into one little post? Cheering for you from here. All things are possible through God!
ReplyDeleteAn amazing post, one of courage, strength and love. there is so much hope here. sending big hugs your way, hoping you are feeling okay dear one....
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful post, Vicky. "All is grace, and all is possible". Indeed, it is through Christ who strengthens us in our weakness. Sending up mighty prayers for you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching story! To know you have inspired someone else to reach out even if what is in front of you looks terrifying is such a tribute to you and your strength, Vicky.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Eileen
You have touched hearts all the way around the world.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, truly "all is grace, and all is possible."
Blessings to you.
Love the poem (and I'm kind of embracing that last paragraph - see my most recent blog post). And what a beautiful, beautiful Light sign for your home.
ReplyDelete