“The stories of past courage can teach, they can offer hope, they can provide inspiration. But they cannot supply courage itself. For this, each man must look into his own soul.” — John F. Kennedy
Many grieving parents draw strength from the stories of others who have endured great loss. Those stories help us feel less alone. They remind us that survival is possible, even when our own pain feels unbearable. Grieving people often find comfort in shared experiences. However, even the most powerful story cannot give us the courage we need to face our own grief. That kind of courage must come from within. Courage after loss is not loud. Courage is the quiet decision to live one more hour.
Grieving a child is a solitary journey. Support from others matters deeply, but no one else can feel our exact pain. The shape of grief is unique to each parent. No one else can carry the weight for us. Even when others speak truth and hope into our lives, we still must do the hard work ourselves. Grief demands that we face an empty space and continue to breathe. That is where courage lives. Courage is not about being strong. Courage is about being real.
Every grieving parent has looked into their soul and questioned whether life could continue. The absence of a child rewrites our future. Nothing prepares a parent for the daily effort of simply staying present. Courage often shows up in ordinary moments. Courage may look like getting out of bed. Courage may be allowing ourselves to cry. No story can do that for us. But stories can light a small path. Each parent must walk it. No parent walks it truly alone.
Thought for today: Draw strength from the stories of others, but find courage in your own quiet steps toward healing.