I witnessed courage today....only 16 months old and he was so very brave.

It looked like a blanket spread upon the grass – to Jake it was an island of security. A feeling under his feet that was familiar, unlike the green carpet of grass that surrounded it.

At first he crawled and walked only on the blanket, never venturing past the edge.

His eyes excitedly darting from trees, to dogs playing, to squirrels, to joggers running past, to men tossing a football. It was as though you could almost see his barometer of trust rising as he thought…”This is exciting. I want to explore. They wouldn’t put me in harm’s way…hmmm; this is a risk I am going to take.”

Slowly, hesitatingly, he took a few steps off the blanket, holding my hand until he felt secure to try a few steps on his own. The sparkle and twinkle in his eyes shown brighter
than the brightest stars on the darkest clear night.

Jake had been trusting enough to realize that we wouldn’t put him into a situation that would hurt him. He was intrigued by the unknown. He took the risk and it paid off.

Now he could touch the bark of the tree, feel the grass, share his Cracker Jacks with the squirrels, and play ball on the grass.

He was laughing and having fun as he explored. It occurs to me that all too often I stop myself from taking the risk – to venture past the edge of my security and explore the possibilities that lie beyond its borders.

What may appear to many to simply be taking a walk on the grass, may to the one taking their first walk - be one small step for mankind one giant step for Jake.

Thank you Jake for reminding me that taking a risk, going beyond what has become a comfortable routine can become an adventure of discovery. I will try to be braver