Invictus

Here are the two things that I find a great deal of comfort in when I have either taken a beating or I feel like I am on the verge of taking a beating.  You already have a strong undefeated spirit.  It is hard for you to see because you are up to your eyeballs in things now.  For a dad, it is an outstanding thing to see in your own kids.  While I will take full credit for this, the truth is that this has been part of your internal compass since you were both very small.

1. INVICTUS  (Latin for UNDEFEATED) was written by a 25 year old kid who lost his leg and penned this in his hospital bed.   This short poem has been a source of strength for an amazing array of  people.
 
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

2. Is a quote from the movie "We  Were Soldiers".  It is the true story of one of the first battles of the Vietnam War where US soldiers were pitted against a large contingent of  North Vietnamese soldiers.  In this scene, Lt. Colonel Moore is allowing himself a moment of doubt about the status of the battle.   He is set straight by the Sgt Major.  True story..


Lt. Colonel Hal Moore: I wonder what was going through Custer's mind when he realized that he'd led his men into a slaughter?
Sergeant Major Basil Plumley: Sir, Custer was a pussy. You ain't.

I hope you both can appreciate that you are fighting the good fight.  When it gets almost unbearable, I hope you realize that fighting the good fight is much better that standing on the sidelines watching someone else fight the good fight.  These are skills that will sustain you.  When things go to hell, people will turn to you.  I certainly would.

Give it hell every day.

Love Dad