Day 14: My Heroes Have Changed

31 Letters to the New Mom of a Child with Spina Bifida

Day 14: My Heroes Have Changed

Dear Momma,

When I was younger I had all kinds of super heroes I looked up to; Wonder Woman, The Hulk, the entire A-Team.  As I got older I realized that the real heroes in my life were people that were closest to me.  In fact, Garth Brooks came out with a song a few years ago called “Standing Outside the Fire”.  Everytime I heard that song I thought of one of my sisters, she was never afraid to take a chance, try something new or just be herself. 
When I think of that song I still think of her; but I heard the song again recently and the more I listened the more I realized that once again I have a new hero. My daughter Jaycie got a new brace this past week, and she was trying to stand with it (I still have to hold onto her), she pushed my hands away and said, “I do it!” when I let go of her she fell back alittle onto my lap and smiled.  She looked up at me and said, “I fall down,” she was laughing.  Then she said, “Try again,” and pulled to stand up at the table.  I am amazed at her persistence and contagious positive attitude. 

My heroes in the past, including my sister have been inspirational; however my Jaycie girl is a revelation.  She exposes and brings to life all that is good about the human spirit and willingness to try it.  So I know my sister will not mind sharing this song with my Jaycie.   

Here are the lyrics from http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/brooks-garth/standing-outside-the-fire-4990.html

We call them cool
Those hearts that have no scars to show
The ones that never do let go
And risk the tables being turned

We call them fools
Who have to dance within the flame
Who chance the sorrow and the shame
That always comes with getting burned

But you've got to be tough when consumed by desire
'Cause it's not enough just to stand outside the fire

We call them strong
Those who can face this world alone
Who seem to get by on their own
Those who will never take the fall

We call them weak
Who are unable to resist
The slightest chance love might exist
And for that forsake it all

They're so hell-bent on giving ,walking a wire
Convinced it's not living if you stand outside the fire

Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried, it is merely survived
If you're standing outside the fire

There's this love that is burning
Deep in my soul
Constantly yearning to get out of control
Wanting to fly higher and higher
I can't abide
Standing outside the fire

Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried, it is merely survived
If you're standing outside the fire

Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried, it is merely survived
If you're standing outside the fire

With Love,

Sherry