STRENGTH AND GRACE

      For several years now, a friend has been fighting a fearsome illness, and every time I’ve seen him I have marveled at the strength and grace with which he is waging his war. He’s a warrior in the best sense, a fighter who’s using both bravery and patience to beat back the despair that might beset others in such circumstances. He seems strong in a peaceful way, stubborn in a cool, unruffled way. I always sense a sort of valiant mildness making its way across the room to me when I visit him, and it makes me thankful to be there. It’s strange, how the bravery of someone else can cause a little heroism in ourselves – a little more ability to stand up to the scary things in life and softly but strongly say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done. My friend speaks quietly but there’s daring and steadfastness in his voice. I consider myself lucky to just sit and listen.