Bird is the Word - Courage

When I saw the Word this month I thought the subject would be too hard but I got to thinking; I work in a section of the health industry and have, over the years come into contact with some very courageous people. Young children living with cancer who insisted on doing a photo shoot for the brochures and calendars that would encourage people to give something more valuable than money. Adults that have given in ways that so few do, volunteers that give up precious time to assist those less fortunate. I have friends that have fought cancer and other serious conditions with dignity and strength I could only hope for should I find myself in the same situation. 

Closer to home is my brother who, as a serving member of the police force received a medal for bravery that I didn't know about for many years as he 'only did what was right'. My middle sister who will not allow her terror of flying to stop her travelling to different parts of the world; my youngest sister, who has worked hard to recover from a serious skiing accident which almost claimed her leg and returned to work as a nurse saving lives every day even though she is in constant pain.

I can assure you I do not put myself in the same category as those above and many more like them; I don't have photos of them and their story is not really mine to tell. This is a photo of me and I guess this is the most courageous thing I have done and even then I needed help to achieve it. I used to have a dreadful fear of heights, just watching a movie of people doing some thing high up would make my legs tingle and I would find those scenes difficult to watch. My eldest son, in his absence, has given me the courage to conquer this fear. Just after his 1st anniversary I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge; the highest point at 134 m (440 ft) above sea level. Just after his 2nd anniversary I climbed the Gloucester Tree in the south of our state; it is 72m high and the climb is on steel rods hammered into the tree. I have never been able to rise above the third wrung before even though the boys have been clambering up and down the tree for years. I can now cross suspension bridges, go up ski lifts and ladders are no longer an issue. Late last year we went to the south rim of the Grand Canyon and I was able to stand on the edge with no fear of the height. It was not my courage that helped me to overcome my fears; my son loved to climb and abseil; I did these things with the courage I received from him.

Thank you for looking and any comments you may leave, best wishes. 

http://birdisthewordchallenge.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/new-challenge-word-courage.html