Ashley, a young woman of courage

weakling, coward

that is me

BUT GOD

those two words

make all the difference in the world

today
I woke up knowing this day
held several things that would not get done without God

itinerary
subject to change at any moment
because I just didn't know...

chapel
should I go or not
I had to leave early for an appointment in Morehead

dentist
I like her, a lot, but paperwork -not so much
I had to change my marital status and contact information 

Louisville
it's been awhile
I did not like the reason I was heading there


The day began 
read Ephesians 3
a perfect reminder of the power God has and works in me

Chapel worship songs 
"You make me brave..., You make me brave..."
"Christ alone, Cornerstone, weak made strong in the Savior's love..."

Chapel worship.
Cody, black canvas, white paint.
After three songs a depiction of Jesus was done.

Dentist
what can I say?
I survived, with only a few tears

Louisville
no directional errors
arrived right when I needed to be there

trepidation
prayers for wisdom and strength
long, slow walk across the parking lot 

Men holding flags
in honor of Jeremy's military service.
They open the doors for me to enter the funeral home.

breath deeply
two visitations going on 
read the signs, go in the right direction

sign the registry
potty break 
enter "the room"

there she is,
young, beautiful, full of life
there is her daughter, in a Belle dress, her daddy's princess

a long hug
a few tears
shared words

she made the rounds,
greeting people, accepting their sympathy,
and knew where her children are if they were not with her

tonight as I reflect on the day 
I am reminded that courage is not a lack of fear
rather, it is facing fear and doing what needs to be done 

I witnessed courage today-

in the young widow
in her parents
in his parents
in her friends 
in the men holding the doors
in the two Marines assigned to care for her