Courage, dear heart. – CS Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
I have recently been re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia series by CS Lewis.
The line above really struck me.
To set the scene a little, this line comes in when they are on the island of nightmares and everyone is facing their worst fears. One of the main characters hears this as a whisper in her ear.
It made me think just how powerful three words could be.
Imagine this the next time you are troubled, worried or things just aren’t going your way: a whisper in your ear that simply says "courage, dear heart."
Make it a great day.
Jake
The Daily Attitude Email 
Jake,
I hope you remember me – friends and co-worker with your dad at Ameren Illinois. Here is a news letter I sent yesterday to friends who do not have facebook accounts, but who want to “keep up” on my son, Silas:
This is a brief e-mail to catch you up, since I don’t think you are on facebook. Facebook is where we try to post daily updates on Silas’ condition, hospitalizations, surgeries, etc.
Silas was diagnosed with a recurrent brain tumor 8/28/14, so they didn’t do chemo that day, but scheduled surgery for 9/10/14. Silas went in on emergency basis 9/3 to St. Louis Children’s Hospital – uncontrolled pain on right ear & head behind the ear. He had a brain bleed starting 9/7/14, so when they went in on 9/10, they were just hoping to relieve that – not worrying about the tumor. However, they took as much tumor as possible, as it was wrapped around a major artery. He was discharged 9/17 evening, and returned 9/18 morning to start chemotherapy (outpatient). Silas had a stroke while in the HemeOnc Clinic 9/18, and has been in the hospital ever since. He has had a parent (usually me) by his side 24 hours ever since. He has had lots of therapies (physical, occupational, speech, music, etc.) However, he has not made enough progress to keep him here at SLCH, and will be transferred to a “Bridge” facility (name is Ranken Jordan) tomorrow. In the meantime, he is receiving 5 day chemotherapy every month, and taking another oral chemotherapy every day. The bridge rehabilitation facility is just for pediatrics, and is to prepare him (and us) for him to come home, even though he is paralyzed/immobile in his left arm & leg.
That’s kind of the short version, but gives you an idea of what he’s been facing. I relapsed (drank – alcohol) in August-September, but admitted myself to inpatient for 4 days, then am still doing outpatient therapy 3 mornings a week, plus Celebrate Recovery & AA meetings. I was in denial of how serious Silas’ condition is, and wasn’t facing reality – or the grief I was feeling. Trying to deal now.
Oh – and Posh (Silas’ Great Dane) died suddenly at our home on August 7th. Just lay down on her blanket and was gone. Truly a blessing to not suffer on and on….
Catch me up about you and yours.
Blessings to you all, Gloria Martin 1321 W Forest Ave – Decatur, IL 62522 217-413-7454
Wow, Gloria.
Thanks for the update. Sounds like it has been a tough time.
We have been doing great on our end.
We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Jake
Gloria,
Thanks for the update. Sounds like you could use some prayers.
We will be praying for you and your family.
Jake