How many of us can say that we are truly brave?  Brave enough to face a fear so large, so threatening that there is no bribe, no reward great enough to shrink it?  Brave enough to look that fear in the face and not only conquer it, but stomp it into the ground?

My youngest has always had an overwhelming fear of deep water.  No amount of reasoning, explanation or example could remove her dread.  

For years she struggled to pass the most basic swimming level, because to move on meant she would have to overcome that fear.  

Three years ago a young man was assigned as her instructor.  He was easy-going, strong and very, very patient.  She learned to trust him and this year, after eight years of struggle, she let go of the side in the deep end and swam.  

There are no words to describe the pride I felt watching her, the humility in understanding what she had overcome.  

We should all be so brave.