I've discussed how brave my son is. How, for years, he was bullied, but he walked into school every day, ready to face whatever was waiting for him. It takes a special person to want to go and try again each day. This, too, is the kind of bravery that people see and recognize.
Sometimes, though, bravery is quiet. I never really realize how very brave Sunshine is because her bravery comes quietly. It hit me the other day when I watched her walk into the empty school building, alone, at 7:20am for art club. We both knew she was a little early. Had that been me at 9 years old, I would have either made my mom go in with me or I would have waited to walk in until more people were there. Sunshine, she walked right in, never hesitating. I found out later that evening that she was the only student there for about 10 minutes. She was almost completely alone in the building other than one teacher, who had her help him set up for bell choir (which she's not in) so that she wouldn't be sitting alone and waiting. It didn't phase her that she was the only student there. It didn't make her want me to go in with her or wait until other people came. The next morning, for choir, she once again, got out of the car and walked right in.
It got me thinking of other quiet ways Sunshine is brave. Sunshine stand up for kids who can't stand up for themselves. Last year, while friends of hers were making fun a little girl in their class with autism behind her back, Sunshine spoke up and told them to stop. She told them that [K] was very nice and they need to stop making fun of her. This, in itself, is brave. Speaking up for what you believe in is always brave, but, the stood up to her friends. It's one thing to stand up to people you don't really know, it's another to stand up to your friends.
Both of my children in brave in ways that I could never be. They both walk into situations where they don't know anyone and aren't sure of what they're doing, and they flourish. That speaks to their character. I worry so much about their futures. I worry if they will succeed. I worry if they will find love. I worry if they will be happy. The one thing that I don't have to worry about is if they will be brave enough to go after what they want. I know they will find that bravery in themselves. I know they will continue to stand up for others, even when it's not the popular thing to do. I know that they will find the strength to get through rough times. I pray the continue to be as brave as they are throughout their lives. I am so lucky to have children who teach me, every day, the meaning of bravery, and inspire to be brave as well.