Don't Be Afraid

 What are your fears?  Have you ever given thought to these fears and how you would react if you came face to face with them.  What if you came across a spider in a confined space or unexpectedly came upon a snake on a trail?  How would you react, what would you do?  Your heart would race and you may freeze up, although the odds are that the snake moves on and the spider takes off or you just run away from the situation.  Either way you are back to normal in a short time and only laugh at the thought of what happened.
 Now what are you afraid of?  If fear is "To be uneasy or apprehensive." and afraid is "Filled with fear" what are you truly afraid of.  What keeps you up at night, distracted during the day, never leaving your thoughts.  We all have fears, but I believe being truly afraid is something that sneaks up on you when you least expect it and consumes your every moment.
 As a dad my family is the one thing that matters most and the thought of anything ever happening to one of them is a fear of mine, although, not something that keeps me up at night or fills my thoughts.  I want to enjoy the moments and build memories to last a lifetime.  I want to watch my kids grow into amazing adults and see them achieve incredible milestones in their lives.  I want to be a part of every moment possible.  In saying all of this I still have my fears, but I am not afraid.  To be afraid would mean missing something wonderful happening right in front of me.
 As a son my mom and dad have always been there, sharing my special moments and some forgettable ones as well,offering guidance, feedback and silence when needed.  I enjoyed my younger years protected from any fears by my parents and do not recall being afraid of anything they could not handle.  I love my parents for who they are and believe the only way to deal with what is coming in the days, months and, god willing, years to come is to not be afraid.
 Cancer is a word and disease we all fear and when it attacks we become afraid of what it will do.  Life is something to treasure and fight for, not wanting to waste a moment.  I want my dad to chose life and fight with every ounce of energy he has.  Not that he needs a reminder, but he has his wife of 43 years, six Grandchildren, a son and daughter, a son in law, a daughter in law and his brother and sister that all love him and are counting on a long fight.  Not to mention the countless friends he has made over the years.  It is okay for him to fear what is ahead because I will be by his side every minute to guide, offer feedback, and remain silent when needed.  It is my turn to protect him from his fears.  I am choosing not to be afraid and along with my incredible wife, who has guided me, and my wonderful kids we will fight, through every emotion, right alongside Grandpa and Grandma.  Dad and Mom, I love you both and this is just the beginning of a new chapter, don't be afraid.





Can't be afraid when you're never alone.