Sherry Hunter

Alex and the Tiger Monster Sherry Hunter

I was reading a book to little Eli who suddenly stopped me and said "Grandma Sherry, I am only five and small and I am afraid of everything, but next year when I am six I will be bigger and strong and have lots of courage. I won't be afraid of anything." Startled and touched by his vulnerability, I softly answered him. "You know Eli, adults often think they must wait until they are bigger and stronger before they can have courage too. Then they remember that having courage does not mean you are not afraid. Courage is when you are afraid but choose to face your fear and believe you will make it through. Courage and hope are good friends and are always with each other. You can choose them to be your good friends too, even when you are only five and little. "You are a brave little boy today because you face all kinds of new scary things and do them. Your life is a fine adventure because you have great courage."