Gotta Be Weak To Be Strong

Jesus was kind and soft spoken when allowed. He also was sharp and outspoken when he felt it necessary to be so. He recognized the difference, time and time again.

Vernessa Mitchell passionately sings that one must be soft to be strong. I never understood that, until Duchenne.

Last night, I had a confrontational phone call from a beloved family member about a third party business challenge. For the first time in over 40 years, we sounded like adversaries. Shame on us. 

The Covid-19 downturn coupled with over two months of isolation has not set a positive stage for our dealing with a third party that does not care for us personally but only wants to take unfair advantage of the economic downturn which, frankly, got the best of us. The argument centered around whether we cave to unreasonable demands of a large organization or stick to our guns and not waiver. Be firm or pliable?

We obviously will do what is best for the family and, as for the argument, we will be fine because 40 years of genuine family love trumps short term economic gain/loss, every time, this time.

What is the point here? Duchenne constituents oftentimes must make decisions where there is no right or wrong answer. Sometimes, we must weigh the risk/benefit of taking a path less traveled. It is not easy. Patience, perspective, and genuine empathy help us balance those choices. God, I love my family, especially the most vulnerable. 

We all can become stronger by being weaker, more vulnerable to the needs and feelings of those in our grasp.

May I become a heavy weight fighter in the battle of understanding, especially as we fight to end Duchenne. 

Love,

Papa from Tennessee