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What my grandpa taught me about courage in a crisis

To: Those who don't know what to do during the coronavirus crisis, 

From: Lauren Brill

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To those who don’t know what to do during the coronavirus crisis, 

Growing up, I learned at a young age what it meant to be courageous during a crisis. That’s because my Grandpa Herby showed me.  Now, with more than 200,000 people in the U.S. diagnosed with a potentially fatal virus, COVID-19, and more than 5,000 confirmed deaths, living life courageously seems more important and more challenging than ever. 

Many of us are separated from loved ones, stuck at home alone, worried about our health and the health of loved ones. Some people already lost their lives or lost someone they love. Others are watching their businesses or their livelihood fall apart.

Lauren’s grandfather always had a positive attitude.

We don’t know when the pandemic will end, how it will end, and if our lives will ever be the same. 

Without a doubt, times are tough. But if my grandpa was here, I know how he’d handle the situation. 

See, in the latter part of my grandfather’s life, he suffered from heart disease and diabetes, among other health problems. He had many heart attacks and many hospital stays. One time while in the hospital, two nurses walked in, a blond and a brunette.

 After having massive triple bypass surgery, he perked up and excitedly said, “Do I get to choose?” 

He was a flirt and always having fun.  A hospital gown and a few IV’s were not going to change that. 

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No matter how grave the situation, my grandfather always maintained his love for life and people.  

No matter how grave the situation, my grandfather always maintained his love for life and people.

As I sit here quarantining while smothering my cute five-pound poodle, who quite honestly I think is missing his alone time, I have seen so many instances of courage.

First and foremost, the first responders are selflessly caring for people who are sick with warmth and compassion. They are risking their well being to help others. They are leading the way as far as courage in this fight.

The rest of us are posting Tik Tok Videos, enjoying family dinners, or engaging in video parties. By doing so, we are choosing to stay home to change the circumstances of our country’s situation without allowing the negativity of it all to change us.

That’s also courage.

I know every second can’t and won’t be all fun and games.

We all are likely going to have our moments, as this isn’t easy. It’s normal to feel a variety of emotions, including fear, sadness and frustration. And It’s OK to express that emotion.

If you need to cry, you should cry. If you need to scream, go ahead and scream.

But at some point in each day, you should continue to show your courage, just like my grandpa would, by staying true to yourself and finding joy in your life.

With love and hope,

Lauren Brill
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One thought on “What my grandpa taught me about courage in a crisis

  1. I think me and your grandpa would have been friends. I been a type 1 diabetic since three years old. I would have said the same thing waking up and seeing two nurses. Do I get to choose. I’m pretty sure I’ve done that before.

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