Words of Wisdom

We have been on this journey for an ear for a long time. We've hit many roadblocks, we've had may disappointments, we've cried many tears. Even so, I have an idea that our toughest moments are yet to come. Although Kennedy chose this current path and is very excited to receive her ear in a few weeks, she is eleven. She's entering a new stage of life and emotions are at the surface. She's never had a right ear. This ear will change what she looks like. She has to be a huge part of the creation process and talking to doctors is not her strong suit. She's going to have to show up at school one day with two ears, exciting but anxiety-provoking in a child who doesn't like attention. I recently asked Team Kennedy to share what pulls them through when the waters aren't smooth sailing. The response was awesome, too awesome to share with only Kennedy. In hopes that something here might help you someday...



My dearest Kennedy - There is no promise that life will be easy. Some people may have a harder road than others. And frankly sometimes, for all of us, life just plain sucks. But when life gets you down, when you get overwhelmed, when you just need some reassurance, or just because...some words and ideas from your friends, your family, and Team Kennedy to bring you peace.

Some people turn to something that brings them comfort:

- Ice cream.

- Chocolate fixes a lot of heartaches.

- My pj's, a blankie, and a book to get lost in.

- I play my favorite song, kind of like an anthem.

- I turn up the music as loud as it will go and just let it take over.
- Mindless TV.
- Birthday cake...makes you happy every time.
- Guardian angels.
- My wiener dog! (yes, you know who this came from)

Some people turn to God and the Bible:

- Pray. Just pray.
- Remember when waves are crashing over your head, they're under His feet.
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
- God doesn't bring you to it if he can't bring you through it.
- So let us pursue the things of peace, and the the things for building up one another.
- In this world you will have trouble; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
- ...tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has given to us.
- When the Lord closes one door, somewhere He opens a window.

Some people have their favorite quote (their own or well-known):
- "Sometimes crying or laughing are the only options left, and laughing feels better right now."
- "Everything will seem better after a good night's sleep."
- "Just breathe."
- "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."
- "It's sink or swim, those are my only two options."
- "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming."
- "This too shall pass."
- "You can't have a rainbow without a little rain."
- "I'll think about that tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day."
- "Only in darkness can you see stars."
- "It takes rough seas to make a good sailor."
- "What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger."
- "Being strong is something to be proud of."
- "For she was beautiful her beauty made the bright world dim, and everything beside seemed like the fleeting image of a shade."
- "I love you, all the numbers in the world."
- "Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice that says at the end of the day, 'I will try again tomorrow.'"
- "Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway."
- "Tough times never last, but tough people do."
- "Hard times don't create heroes. It is during hard times when the 'hero' within us is revealed."
- "Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you."
- "Celebrate we will, because life is short but sweet for certain."
- "Celebrate the little things along the way because those are the things that are gonna get you through the hard days."
- "We cannot control the waves but we can learn to surf."
- "Promise me you'll always remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter that you think."
- "Keep smiling!"
- "Try to be like the turtle, at ease in your own shell."
- "Find a place inside where there is joy, and the joy will burn out the pain."
- "Hope is a walking dream."
- "Your present circumstance don't determine where you can go, they merely determine where you start."
- "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."
- "Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."
- "Scars don't dictate where you are going, only where you have been."

And one day I found this on my kitchen table, written by a very wise little soul, only nine years old. 
I keep it handy so I can always pull it out. Your Papa asked for a copy to frame. I've had Team Kennedy members tell me that it has helped them more than once.

Life is a gift
A gift of hope
A gift of happiness
And no matter how
hard or miserable
life is
It can always be worse.

Whatever helps you, hold it close during the toughest of times. You are braver than anyone I've ever met. You are stronger than anyone I've ever known. You are loved more than you will ever know.

Love,
M