What does bravery really mean? Is it the bravery to hold on when you know the end is close and the battle you fought so hard is lost, or is it the capacity to face terrifying things?
For a sixteen-year-old girl, bravery meant standing by her father, who never wavered even under the most trying circumstances.
A man by the name of Tom Mitchell told the following tale.
This loving father remembered his daughter complaining that she didn’t feel well and requesting to be taken to the doctor because she thought she had a sinus infection.
Yes, sweetie, I’ll come get you tomorrow after school. If you’d like, we can have supper together afterward,” he replied.
The next day, the two did enjoy dinner together, but it was not at their preferred eatery. Rather, kids were having difficulty swallowing the food at Fairfax Hospital’s pediatric oncology unit. These father and daughter would have more than 450 meals there together, not to mention the hundreds more in the years that followed.
Instead of a sinus infection, his daughter had a massive tumor that had gone to her lungs and collapsed one.
It was a genuine struggle. Even though they knew it wouldn’t be simple, they were committed to fighting as a team.
Hodgkin’s illness, stage four, was Shayla’s diagnosis.
Tom tried to convey to them what it meant to be brave and withstand the trials and problems life placed in front of them by purchasing two sterling silver “feather” bracelets and placing one on each of their wrists.
Then he made three promises: he would stay at the hospital every night until Shayla was cancer-free; he would wear the bracelet until then; and he would persevere as long as she did.
Shayla’s cancer struggle dragged on for years, during which she had blood transfusions, chemotherapy, radiation, painkillers, and more medication. Her body could not take all of this, and as a result, her heart grew weak and a defibrillator had to be quickly implanted within her chest.
Shayla was getting ready for chemotherapy one day when she started screaming, “Help me, Dad! I’m shocked by it! ..I’m shocked by it.
Tom continued his explanation of what had occurred. I drew her in and gave her my strongest embrace. It almost blew her out of my arms and stunned her once more. But I resisted letting go. That’s exactly how I hugged her, fiercely as I could. As swiftly as it had begun, it stopped startling her, and we hurried to the hospital.
As it turned out, the device’s maker had to recall thousands of them because they were malfunctioning, and Shayla’s chest contained one of them.
More chemotherapy sessions, blood transfusions, a botched bone marrow transplant, and more uncomfortable sleepless nights ensued. But until the very last, Shayla never once considered giving up.
“How in the world was I meant to talk to my sweet kid about this? How would I ever have the courage to tell my daughter that she was going to die? There’s a quote I once heard that kind of captures my thoughts. “Can a guy who is terrified still be brave? He can only be bold at that moment. I had to have courage for HER! Of course, I did have that talk with her, and despite how unbelievable it may sound, it ended up being the most incredible, lovely, magical, and fantastic conversation I have ever had in my life. I sincerely pray you never, ever have to have it. Tom gave a portion.
“Dad, am I still brave?,” she murmured in his ear.
Then he met her gaze directly and saw into her soul. He was aware that she was beyond tired of battling and that it was becoming impossible for her, but he suddenly came to a chilling realization. She exhibited bravery for him rather than for herself.
Shayla tragically passed away a few days later, but her father will always remember her bravery and strength.
Shayla, rest in peace.
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76-year-old Susan Sarandon criticized for her clothing – has the perfect response for haters
Susan Sarandon, a titan of the silver screen and a beacon of individuality, has never shied away from speaking her truth—both on and off the camera. With a career spanning decades, she has captivated audiences with her talent and captivated hearts with her unwavering authenticity.
From her iconic role in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to her Oscar-winning performance in “Dead Man Walking,” Sarandon has left an indelible mark on the film industry. Yet, it’s not just her acting prowess that sets her apart; it’s her unapologetic embrace of self-expression.
In an industry often dictated by narrow standards of beauty and conformity, Sarandon refuses to be confined by expectations. Recently, when critics took aim at her fashion choices, labeling them “inappropriate,” Sarandon responded in her trademark fashion—without words.
Instead of engaging in verbal sparring, Sarandon let an image speak volumes. Sharing a photo of herself proudly flaunting her physique in nothing but panties, she effectively silenced her detractors, asserting her right to define her own standards of appropriateness.
But Sarandon’s defiance extends beyond the realm of fashion. At 76, she embraces aging with grace and wisdom, recognizing the preciousness of time and the insignificance of societal norms. Her secret to maintaining youthfulness? A hearty dose of laughter, regular exercise, wholesome nutrition, and, of course, a stellar makeup and hair crew.
Yet, beneath the glamour and accolades lies a woman unafraid to chart her own course. Sarandon surrounds herself with individuals who share her vitality, curiosity, and courage, refusing to waste energy on the trivialities of life.
In a world that often seeks to diminish and confine, Susan Sarandon stands as a testament to the power of self-assurance and resilience. She embodies the spirit of defiance, urging us all to embrace our true selves and carve our own paths, regardless of the naysayers.
As we applaud Sarandon’s unwavering spirit, let us also heed her example—choosing authenticity over conformity, and daring to be unapologetically ourselves. In a society that often seeks to silence individuality, Susan Sarandon’s voice rings loud and clear: be bold, be fearless, and above all, be true to yourself.
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