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“Everyone in the world has gone to bed one night or another with fear, or pain, or loss, or disappointment – and yet each of us has awakened, arisen, somehow made our ablutions, seen other human beings and said: ‘Morning, how are you?’ ‘Fine, thanks – and you?”
–Maya Angelou

I started reading about the late Maya Angelou as she described her poem, “Still I Rise.” Her words made me think about the simple act of getting out of bed each morning and how it’s not the same for everyone.

For most of us, leaving those warm covers is an easy, but necessary evil, precursor to bleary walks to the kitchen for coffee.  And yet for others, this daily act, this rising, is a test of courage and will.

I think of the people in my life – family and friends – who get up each morning, despite hardship, illness and tragedy.  I think of my husband who rises each day with painful, aching joints to provide for his family.  I think of my mother who awakes early seven days a week to tend to my disabled father.

I think of my mother-in-law who, with great medical challenges, gets out of bed to nurture her cats and be a source of cheer and comfort to her Texas neighbors.  I think of my friend who lost her son seven years ago but still rises each morning with kindness in her heart.

It’s easy for many of us to take this simple act for granted, this standing up, this taking on a new day.  Our culture likes to define courage with gun-toting macho heroes.  And yet bravery’s in small things, and no more simple than pulling yourself out of bed, no matter what challenges lie ahead.

I’m thankful for the people who inspire and awe me with their daily acts of fortitude.  It took a poet like Maya Angelou to help me see what was right in front of me.  So many humans endure the unimaginable.

And yet each morning, they rise.

Comments(22)

  1. And now you have reminded me too. Tomorrow, when I get up, I will think of the people in my life who find getting up in the mornings difficult.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      I never thought of it either until Maya pointed it out. How difficult those first few moments are for so many people.

  2. I have always loved her wisdom and the world is better for her having been in it. To hear her recite “Still I Rise” is to hear power and meaning.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Yes, she was an amazing writer. Definitely one of my inspirations. Miss her.

  3. This is lovely Laurie, and makes me realize that getting up each morning is something to celebrate. How many times do I think, “Oh no! Another (Monday) morning!” Because of course Monday’s are the worst. You’ve made me think about the courage so many have just taking that first step out of bed each day. Thank you for reminding me of the joy of each morning though Maya’s beautiful words.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Molly, I never thought about it till I watched some of my own loved ones struggle (either physically or emotionally) get out of bed each morning. A small thing, but it can still take a lot of courage.

  4. Something to think about when I rise in the morning. Thanks for sharing these thoughts.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Thanks so much!

  5. She was a wise woman. And I agree with this – the strength of the human spirit can be an amazing thing.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      I find getting out of bed hard everyday so I can’t imagine what some people endure. Thank you for reading!

  6. Oh, this is beautiful! I think of my Mom, struggling to her feet with so much to do each day. At this time in my life, getting up is effortless. Yes, I have duties. Responsibilities. But no pain. I am grateful for every painless morning! I know it could be so much different!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Diane, I’m more creaky in the mornings than I used to be, but they work themselves out by my second cup of tea. Your mom is a perfect example of the bravery so many face each day, just getting out of bed. Truly remarkable.

  7. I do think about that. I remember all those mornings my mother rose and went off to work, took the train back and forth to Chicago, earned money to support three children. We were good kids, but I’m sure there were days when she would have preferred to read the paper and drink her coffee. She showed me how to truly care for my family and when I needed to be UP AND OUT, I was.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 5 years ago

      Beth, Your mom sounds like a wonderful role model. What strength it takes to rise each day sometimes.

  8. Amen. That’s beautiful.

    Have to revisit her autobiographical books. I read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in high school, the next two also some time in my youth, but only realized how many more there were in 2014.

    And I know it was 2014 because when I did find out I bought and binge-read the rest of them, with one of them coming along in my kayak when I did a one week solo camping trip down the Hudson from Waterford (the beginning of the Erie Canal) to Brooklyn for reading each night after I set up camp. I loved the solitude of that trip but hers was a good voice to have along.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 5 years ago

      Bonnie, What a cool trip! Not sure I’d be that brave, but so admire people (especially solo women) who do that. I also can’t imagine a better companion than Maya Angelou.

  9. Needed to read this today. Thank you, Laurie!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 4 years ago

      Barbara, Glad it helped.

  10. This was beautiful. I am so happy I read this. It certainly puts everything into perspective. Thank you.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 4 years ago

      Thanks for reading, Lauren.

  11. This resonates for me today and this month as I watch people I love go through what they go through.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 4 years ago

      Carol, So true, now more than ever.

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