June 15, 2017
Dear Kevin,
Looking back at our 50 years together, I could delineate quite a few stories we’ve laughed about for many years. As M2 (Mom 2), I would start by reminiscing over the talented ways you could quickly finished your chore of taking out the trash by readily dumping it in our neighbors’ yard, entertain others with music by farting with your body parts (legs, elbows…), tease a cat, captivate the cousins with entertaining Barbie doll stories of "Little Batsy," consume two cheese hotdogs for a snack before eating a full dinner, get us all woke up at 6:30a.m. by hiding dad's comb or brush so he would yell up the steps, "Everyone up!," or even hold back your broom chasing sister after you walked across her newly mopped floor.
But at this juncture, I would rather reminisce about something far more significant: the COURAGE you have shown throughout your life. Each of these words from others about courage remind me of my simple hero brother:
Acts 4:13, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (NIV)
Even in the midst of trying circumstances and personal anguish, your desire to laugh and easy nature have always invited others into your world and given them the courage to share their hearts and stories. They have not worried about feeling rejected by ears that don’t listen or a heart that doesn’t reach. Your courage empowers people to live real, out loud. That emboldens others to live with the same courage.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ― Winston S. Churchill
Choosing to find success in serving others in your business venture stands as courageous in our financial world. When the world’s business is about what people can get or take, yours is about giving quality of life to others. Serving others needs has not been easy, but you have persevered with the heart of a lion.
“Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.” ― Maya Angelou
Your life is a testament to this type of courage— to trust your heart to love again after loss when pain and disappointment ramp up loudly in the ear. Turning off that refrain of failure that tries to play in the background of your heart and to choose to believe you can give love well again is paramount courage.
“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or… too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.” ― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay
As we have aged through the years, I have watched you reinvent who you want to be, to find the courage to struggle to be the better man you envision, and live with the passion to make it happen. No man can be perfect, and most men live with scars if they engage in life with a purposeful passion. You capture the essence of living authentically and also galvanizing other men to this brave venture. You are one of the sincerest King’s men I know.
“Courage is found in unlikely places.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien
I can’t count the number of times you have provided perspective and wisdom and courage be it unknowingly through an uplifting or challenging comment to me as a teen girl or an emotional adult. Know that your words and actions have provided courage, hope, and balance.
In a day when we don’t credit heroes or knights in shining armor,
I proudly proclaim that you are one of mine in my life’s drama.
Love today and on your special day,
Your sis (M2)
Cherie
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