(For the girl I lit the candles for)

I think I was born more scared than brave.  Scared of so much, I was forced by fate to confront and control fears early on.  My initial instinct was to flee, but over time evolved into the opposite.  The British Secret Air Service’s motto is “Who Dares Wins” – it is correct.  After all the years, though, it can still be difficult for me to practice courage.

There’s a saying I really like “Fight back even though you’re crying.”  One time in middle school, a bigger guy grabs my hockey stick and tells me he just wants to borrow it.  I knew if I let him have it, I would never see it again.  So I tug hard while he’s also doing the same. I have tears in my eyes. 

I prevail. 

That stick is still at home.