| It was not much of a job, yet, everyday she | | | | Jimmy's mom, I was so happy that things |
| was there. The little bake-shop always seemed to | | | | worked out for her. What courage, what bravery, |
| be open and she would greet me, whenever I | | | | I thought. She kept going no matter how tough |
| went in, with a sad smile. Then one day, I moved | | | | things were. Indeed, she was a hero. |
| to another part of the country and quickly forgot | | | | Courage is not only found in the heat of war or |
| the bake-shop and the woman with the sad smile. | | | | the mighty works of brave men and women. |
| Beginnings always lead to endings just as each | | | | Courage is the mother taking care of her sick |
| ending gives birth to a new beginning. Many years | | | | child in the early morning hours. Courage is the |
| later, fate would have it that a business trip would | | | | father who shows up on time everyday at a |
| take me through this same town of long ago. I | | | | boring, low-paying, dead-end job to feed and |
| stopped at the same bake-shop to order some | | | | clothe his family. |
| pastries and to see if the sad woman was still | | | | Courage comes in many forms, not only from |
| there. | | | | thoughts and deeds of greatness, but in the |
| A new face greeted me with "Can I help you, | | | | routine, everyday art of living. In a media-driven |
| sir?" I placed my order and while waiting, curiosity | | | | society, consumed by celebrity status and the |
| got the better of me. I mentioned that I used to | | | | "get ahead" syndrome, the mundane and |
| come to this shop years ago. I asked about the | | | | unglamorous works often appear to go unnoticed |
| lady who used to work there, the one with the | | | | and unappreciated. |
| sad smile. | | | | When life gets you down, when it seems that |
| "She was one brave little soul, sir," said the | | | | your world is at an end, take courage and go the |
| salesperson. "She worked everyday to provide | | | | next step. You will be amazed at the power and |
| for her young son. Her husband left her when | | | | strength you have inside. |
| Jimmy was just a little boy. Hers was a really | | | | Just gather up enough courage to take you |
| hard life, but she just kept on going." | | | | through this day. You only have to live one day at |
| "So what happened to her? Where is she now?" I | | | | a time. You do not have to deal with all your |
| asked. | | | | troubles at one time. Like the Scotsman said, |
| "Her son graduated from high school and then | | | | "The troubles of tomorrow must wait until this |
| joined the army and has a wonderful career. Last | | | | day is done." |
| I heard, he's doing very well. Not too long ago his | | | | Yes, courage comes from deep within the heart |
| mother remarried. She's very happy now and | | | | and flushes away the paralysis created by fear. A |
| doesn't have to work anywhere as hard as she | | | | song, a story, a poem or a friend could re-ignite |
| used to." | | | | the spark of courage and inspire us to take the |
| I paid for my order, thanked the salesperson and | | | | next step to success. |
| walked out the door. Although I didn't really know | | | | |