THE COURAGE OF TRUE HEROES

Anthony Robbins said, "Action is the foundational key to all success." Somehow, to me,  that sounds about the same as James Brown's "Get up offa that thang." 

Okay "done." I take action every minute of every day.  But you know what?  It isn't easy.  There is always someone wanting to squash me down.  Jealously rears its ugly head and you suddenly become the enemy.  Guess what?  That doesn't stop me.  In fact it is energizing.  My philosophy is predicated on the following quote from Emerson. 

"Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friday I planned on bravery and winning, but found myself up to to my eyeballs in  frenzy and time wasting, crazy-making dissension and needed a break from the critics in my life.

As usual, to bring me back to center and put focus in my life, I decided to visit the Warrior Family Support Center at Brooke Army Medical Center with a friend and my therapy dog, Kelsie. We were surprised to find the Professional Bull Rider Champs there. We had great fun explaining to all of them about Kelsie's work with the wounded warriors and the remarkable things that happen simply because of her presence.  They were intrigued and genuinely impressed and visibly humbled by the courage of our wounded recently back from Iraq and/or Afghanistan.  One bull rider said to me that 'what they do by getting on the back of a bull is nothing compared to what these heroes have done for our freedom, our country, and our safety.'  They signed autographs for the military and  stood with great pride, side by side with them for photographs.

Kelsie also posed for pictures (wearing bull horns) and we oddly found the Bull Riders asking me to email them the photos of Kelsie posing with them.  What a turnaround!  It was exciting and these guys were awesome.  "ARMY STRONG....RODEO TOUGH!"

But the true joy was seeing the soldiers in wheelchairs, some missing limbs and some with invisible wounds of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, patiently waiting their turns for autographs from some of their national heroes. 

My foggy brain began to clear and again I came face to face with the realization of my personal purpose and mission with my foundation.  As the day progressed, my thinking cleared and I realized what is important and what isn't.  People can say and think what they choose about me.  That is their right and privilege.  But that doesn't budge me from my purpose and mission - much as the Bull Riders aren't budged from staying on that bull.  There is something quite symbiotic about the comparison. 

The symbolism became even more apparent when the room suddenly was filled with NASA ASTRONAUTS! 

Imagine a Friday afternoon at the Warrior Family Support Center with wounded warriors in uniform, national professional bull riders, and NASA Astronauts.  Just another day in the life of a therapy dog!

They too were intrigued by what Kelsie does for the wounded veterans from OEF/OIF.  And again I explained in detail her mission, for that is what they seemed to want to hear.   One astronaut seemed especially interested, as he signed an autographed picture of himself to Kelsie, he appeared humbled in her presence.  He quietly unzipped a pocket on his uniform and pulled out a NASA patch.  He looked at her vest and then at the patch and said that he would be proud if Kelsie could wear the patch on her vest.  I assured him we would find room and thanked him.  

So the moral of the story for  Friday was courage.  The courage to get on a bull and ride, the courage to go to war and fight, the courage to ride into space.  So I learned that my critics can't hurt me unless I let them.  And I have no intention of allowing that to happen. 

So this Friday the bull riders showed me the way.  The astronauts showed me the way.  A golden lab showed me the way but most of all, my soldiers, as they always have, showed me the way.  Those who dislike me and choose to slander me can continue to do so, because at the end of the day, my mission is intact, and my purpose on this planet is solid and courageous and unflapable. 

As we prepared to leave after one heck of an amazing afternoon, one injured soldier, wearing a Crimson Tide Tshirt, came up to me carrying his autographed photographs close to his chest, beaming because he has little opportunity to give his wife anything and she 'will love these.'  He just stood there looking at me and said "I have to go now, but before I do could you give me my hug."

So critics hold on tight and believe what you will of me.  But know my confidence, my courage, and my mission is steadfast and will not be defeated. You see "my" soldiers have my back!

One wounded soldier, full of courage, asking for a hug and and calling me 'mom' is just about all this gal needs to complete my mission.

My vision will be fulfilled!

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“God places the heaviest burden on those who can carry its weight.”

~Reggie White

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

~John C. Maxwell

“A great leader's courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.”

John C. Maxwell