Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Courage

Img_4430_2There is a difference between letting go and giving up.

It is as if my father is at the base of Mount Everest. His heart, mind and lungs seem to send a call out by taking a step forward with desire and courage. The rest of his body, though weak, responds by trying to follow along.

The other part of his body that is weaker fails him and puts him back at base camp. He regains some strength and tries again…….

Bearing witness to my father’s desire to live is a balancing act of amazing grace and sweet sorrow, between wanting to hold on for him and surrendering. It is love that drives him, it is courage that beckons us to follow.

Mount Everest (as my brother Zane calls it,) looms, haunts, teases… though I believe one day my father will stand upon it and soak up the purest of light and fly home.

Comments

67 responses to “Courage”

  1. Suzanne

    I too believe on that, dear Corey*
    Keep on and be strong*
    We all love you*
    Big hug*

    Reply
  2. constance l forehand

    comfort and peace. strength and love. be very gentle with yourself, these are fragile times. may GODS plan prevail. in christian love, connie

    Reply
  3. Irene

    Thinking of you at this hard time. May you all be able to show to your dad that he is and will be loved now and always. May you all be embraced by his love and care. And may he be filled with God’s peace and your love.

    Reply
  4. Alina

    What courage it must have taken to write this beautiful post.

    Reply
  5. shannon in oregon

    we do all love you.
    you are in my thoughts daily.
    namaste dear friend.

    Reply
  6. stljoie

    Oh Corey, My mother passed last year ( at age 92) on Easter morning after many mountains climbed successfully. This is the most difficult part of being “grown up”. Your father’s will to live is so important to recovery. I wish you both peace and courage.

    Reply
  7. Jeanne

    I love love love you darling one.
    I am here for you always.
    Prayers and hugs
    Love Jeanne

    Reply
  8. Christine

    May courage and peace flow freely… to whatever it is that God wills…
    ((hugs))

    Reply
  9. Paris Parfait

    Sending much love and many prayers your way. xo

    Reply
  10. somepinkflowers

    it takes
    a certain courage
    on your part
    [ do not modestly deny it ]
    to put this experience,
    your personal experience,
    into words.
    That you do share,
    helps more than just you.
    did you know?
    i thank you for it.

    Reply
  11. Julia

    My heartfelt prayers as you all face this summit together. What a source of strength you have in each other and your faith!
    Blessings,
    Julia

    Reply
  12. Shannon

    Beautiful image.

    Reply
  13. Star

    Your father is good through and through, Corey, and only knows to keep doing his best.
    Less than a year ago, I was watching and waiting with my own father. Sending love through thoughts and prayers as you offer him your support. There is unseen strength to bear both of you up.

    Reply
  14. MaryBeth

    Where are you going?
    Where are you going?
    Can you take me with you?
    For my hand is cold
    And needs warmth
    Where are you going?
    Far beyond where the horizon lie
    Where the horizon lies
    And the land sinks into mellow blueness
    Oh please, take me with you
    Let me skip the road with you
    I can dare myself
    I can dare myself
    I’ll put a pebble in my shoe
    And watch me walk (watch me walk)
    I can walk
    And when we both have had enough
    I will take him from my shoe, singing
    “Meet your new road!”
    Then I’ll take your hand
    Finally glad
    Finally glad
    That I am here
    By your side (By my side)
    By your side (by my side)
    By your side (by my side)
    By your side (by my side)
    By your side (by my side)
    from GODSPELL
    offered up in sung prayer for your father -for all of you precious Corey
    IT brought great comfort as we held little Ryder, 2 years ago…
    My arms are around all you
    LOve & PEace

    Reply
  15. sadie527

    Corey, Your metaphors are so powerful, and your insights / comments during this desperatly trying time uplift all who visit. Odd that those who are praying to uplift you and yours would be the ones encouraged by your courage and strength. I pray that you, your father and family are enveloped in peace as you finish this journey. – Amy Bauer

    Reply
  16. wendy

    This is such a lovely image Corey, of our entering our new world being like the ultimate Mt Everest climb. My fiance, ever the adventurer, i think will find lot of healing in this image and i really thank you for it.
    Of course when others leave for their glorious adventure its so hard on those left behind. I am praying for you and your whole family Corey, that you will be comforted and held throughout…
    Peaceful Week, Wendy

    Reply
  17. Cheryl

    Corey, Just know that you are being thought of and prayed for.

    Reply
  18. wendy

    Hi Again Corey,
    I read over what i wrote and see i said it all wrong…wish i could go in and fix it but i’m not sure how : (
    I pray that whatever Gods Will is here, whatever it is, will reveal itself as a beautiful thing, and that there will be sweet comfort and healing throughout….
    Peaceful Week, Wendy

    Reply
  19. Chris

    Prayers to you Corey, to your Dad, Mom, and family. Love, Holy Spirit comfort and peace are prayed for you. May His will be done.

    Reply
  20. constance muller

    Hey Friend,
    Stopping by to say I’m thinking of your Papa, your family and you. As Somepinkflowers said, your words are a gift to all of us.
    Sending prayers.
    with love,
    Constance

    Reply
  21. Lynda ~ Hedgerow Hollow

    May God grant you and your father the strength and courage you need. I hope you can feel my hug from here. ~ Lynda xox

    Reply
  22. Julie christie leary

    What a wonderful father he must be to inspire such love and devotion in his family…he must be so proud of you and your brothers.You are a wonderful daughter.

    Reply
  23. La Donna

    Dear Corey:
    Sending love and prayers.
    Love,
    La Donna

    Reply
  24. Suzanne – the Farmer’s Wife

    You are in my prayers daily. It’s very, very difficult to watch our loved ones push on and suffer. When my stepfather was ill it became apparent to us at some point that he was fighting the hard fight because of a feeling of responsibility….that this is what his loved ones expected of him. When we realized this it placed a huge burden on our hearts. We just wanted him to be free of the pain and the incredibly long struggle of his illness.
    Your father and your family will come to their own terms with this crisis. I am wishing you peace, I am wishing your fagther the strength to face what lies ahead. There are so many people willing to lighten your burden.

    Reply
  25. clarice

    Dear Corey, what an inspiration your father is. I am still praying Clarice

    Reply
  26. tut-tut

    Hold the hands of your father and your loved ones; that is the greatest comfort now.

    Reply
  27. cat

    blessings and courage…

    Reply
  28. cat

    courage and blessings

    Reply
  29. Elaine

    Dear Corey, I send you and your family my love.

    Reply
  30. Missy

    this is beautifully written… my thoughts are with you.

    Reply
  31. Becca

    Thinking of you often …

    Reply
  32. Diogenes

    Dear Corey,
    Thinking of you and wishing you and your father well.

    Reply
  33. Mary

    Thinking of you at dawn, at dusk, and in between. Know you are being strong for your father, your mother, and for yourself. Blessings to you all during this difficult journey.

    Reply
  34. Ellen Cassilly

    Corey, Frank and I have been thinking/praying with you/for you for days. Breathe and be there for your family. Breathe and let your family be there for you. Love, Ellen

    Reply
  35. Kerstin

    Dearest Corey, when words fail me I still think about you and your family. Warmest wishes, Kerstin

    Reply
  36. Jenny

    And the clear sky is all around you…
    Ah! Ah!
    Love’s shadow will surround you
    All through the night
    Thinking and praying for you Corey…and your Dad. xxxooo

    Reply
  37. My Melange

    Prayers, hugs, love and kisses in a steady stream coming your way.
    xoxo
    Robin

    Reply
  38. Elaine L.

    It took 6 months for my father to climb the mountain. I went through so many emotions preparing myself for my father to possibly get better which, at the time, seemed remote, while preparing myself for “the call”. My dad will be 86 in June and while he is not as physically active as before, he is able to enjoy the company of friends and family and handles his business affairs.
    From what you have said about your father, our dad’s are carbon copies.
    I pray that God will let your father know when it’s time to stop climbing and “let go” into the light and love that is God, until then, I hope he doesn’t give up.
    God Bless You All during this difficult time.
    ~elaine~

    Reply
  39. Cousin Chris

    Corey,
    Millions of times, Uncle George has said,(one of his favorite sayings) ” Aint No Mountian for a Climber”. When we used to go to the hills riding he would change it up a bit…”Aint No Mountian for a Rider”. We ALWAYS made it to the top.

    Reply
  40. Betty @ She’s Sew Pretty

    Oh Corey! What courage and grace you have. It humbles me to read your words.

    Reply
  41. herhimnbryn

    The mountain top will always be there C. Your dearest Pa can take his time.
    My thoughts with you and your family and his life companion your Mum.

    Reply
  42. Wandering Chopsticks

    Corey, I’ve been reading your blog for a long time. I know how much you love your father and my heart goes out to you and your family. I hope he pulls through.

    Reply
  43. kim

    Corey-
    My dad had a massive heart attack years ago and barely hung on to his life for days and days. I was absolutely certain that he was going to die or be left on a ventilator. My aunt kept saying, “where there’s life, there’s hope…” but I just couldn’t see my dad surviving. But he also fought and fought and he just wanted to live and he made a full recovery and was on the golf course within a year. He lived fully for another 8 years. He passed away at home, very suddenly, of another heart attack. It was mercifully quick and he died with his boots on, as they say.

    Reply
  44. M-Noëlle

    Your father may not be able to ride his bike up the Himalaya but he will walk up at his own pace – with his family’s strong support.
    However long and slow the climb is, he’s being awaited at the top … (with a barrel of beer!)
    Hanging lines of good wishes (can he/you see them flapping in the wind?)…
    Winding hundreds of “prayer-rattles”…
    and thinking of you all …

    Reply
  45. Christine

    Thought of you and your family last Saturday as we passed through Willows on a stormy afternoon. We were headed down to Monterey to see my Grandmother when we got word that she has passed before we could make it to see her one last time. You and your family are so fortunate to be with each other over the last several weeks..I’m sure that will give your Dad much strength for when his next journey begins.Continuing to send good thoughts your way 🙂

    Reply
  46. Julie Ann

    How I wish I had you beside me when I sat in the hospital whilst my beautiful precious Mummy completed her journey in October 2005. Your grace and courage would have been Godsent. Your words are a great gift to all your readers Corey and that you are able to find and deliver them at this time is the greatest inspiration. Isn’t the power of love just awsome ? Continued love & prayers,Jx

    Reply
  47. Di Overton

    Be brave darling. You are doing something invaluable. Good thoughts coming your way. Love to all your family

    Reply
  48. Aina

    You are the most extraordinary women I ever have “met”! I have never in my hole life met someone with so much courage, love and hope. Because of you my problems seems like a drop in the ocean, and I am feeling fortunate to follow your journey that makes me realize what life is all about.
    Stay strong, don`t lose your hope, and be gently with yourself. In this stressful time I won`t forget about you and your family. Lots lots of Love from from Holland and Aina xxx

    Reply
  49. Genevieve

    Peace.

    Reply
  50. cruststation

    Your posts is a testament to your strength, and that of your family. Words so inspiring and humbling to the soul, may peace and blessings be with you.

    Reply
  51. Sarah

    Corey thank you for sharing such an extraordary time with us. My prayers are with you.

    Reply
  52. Vicki

    Corey you are an amazing woman….sending my love, thought and prayers to you and your family.

    Reply
  53. patpaulk

    A very Corey-beautiful analogy.

    Reply
  54. Ardi

    These are precious moments – a time to help your father by surrounding him with love. They are also a gathering time – gathering in your loved ones, gathering together and letting him know how dearly he is loved.

    Reply
  55. annie

    keeping you and yours close to my heart and in my prayers, dearest one. sending you love. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

    Reply
  56. Anna

    Infinite Love surround you and bless you and your Dad…your family. Peace to all of you.

    Reply
  57. Christine

    your father is giving you an amazing gift to be with him during this journey….love, courage, peace for you and your family.
    Christine

    Reply
  58. Jeni

    Your words touched my soul with hope, love and courage.
    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  59. Deborah

    I do not have words as eloquent as yours and the previous commenters. I am praying for you and yours.

    Reply
  60. Lisa Oceandreamer

    I stood at my Mom’s bedside, for days I watched her. I watched her sense of humor still shine even when nothing else was. I watched her hold on because she told me part of her was at peace and other part she was afraid. I was powerless to change her journey’s course but I was there to make her steps cushioned with love.
    Your Father is surrounded with that love…whatever steps his journey takes, to base camp or to the top….are also cushioned like a soft snow by that love from you and your family.
    I wish I could be there if only to hug you.
    You are an amazing woman full of grace.
    XOXOXO
    Love,
    Lisa

    Reply
  61. Rosemary

    Bless you Corey, and your wonderful family.
    My thoughts are with you everyday!
    Rosemary

    Reply
  62. Cindy

    My prayers continue for your precious Father, and all of those he holds so dear to his heart. May God’s most tender blessings envelope you all.
    With love~
    Cindy

    Reply
  63. Miss Sandy

    May his grace enfold you.
    May His gentle hands hold you.
    May His peace fill you.
    May His strength be real to you.
    May prayer cover you.
    May angels hover over you.
    Still lifting you to the Father.

    Reply
  64. beachy

    “God causeth His face to shine upon us.”
    Continued prayers and love for you all, Corey.

    Reply
  65. Mari-Nanci

    It seems logical that your father has been moved to a skilled nursing home. Where the drama continues to be played out. Not easy on him, or on anyone.
    But common sense seems to say that from now on, the burden will be carried locally, by your mother and your local siblings. It is time for you to go back home.
    Marriage and family need nurturing. They do _not_ thrive, with one partner on one continent and the other partner, on another continent.
    Please Dear Corey, know you have done all you can, on this continent. Please know that your duty now, is to your own marriage and family. They are your now. Please, see your way clear, to fly home to them. Soon. Very, very soon…
    Please…
    Please…
    Please…
    Mari-Nanci

    Reply
  66. Colette

    Angel wings will lift him to the summit when the time is right — and you are so right: there is a huge difference between giving up and letting go.
    In the meantime, all my love.

    Reply
  67. Betty C.

    Thinking of you…

    Reply

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