Have You Ever Been Goosed?

My respected colleague Janis shares a story that gives me a childhood reminder about being fearless.  I'll begin with a lesson my Mom taught me at a very early age.  Today, when I think about it I don't know if she implanted the adventurer in me on purpose or by accident? 

My Mom was born in Chicago, Illinois.  As a child her parents dreamed of leaving the crowded city to move to a more country setting.  Her dad who was skilled in plastering, saved enough money to purchase around 5 acres of land in rural Pembroke township, a town name Hopkins park, Illinois.  Her Dad with the help of her three older brothers began to build the family dream home in the late 1940s. 

Her dad age 56 at the time suffered a massive heart attack while installing the home's roof, when the home was just over 75% completed.  He died, leaving the finishing of the home to her older brothers.  Imagine male teenagers having to take on such a responsibility?  My Mom has shared many stories of hardship the family endured after her Dad's passing in this rural area about 60 miles south of downtown Chicago. 

The one I remember the most is how she as a child had to walk down a long dusty country road to get to school.  I was probably seven years old when Mom first told me the story of this one farm she had to pass by daily.  Geese were raised on this farm and Mom was terrified of them.  She said she would dread walking past that farm daily because the Geese would meet up with her and chase her until she was out of the range of their territory.  This daily routine went on for months until one day Mom said she just got tired of being afraid.    

One morning fed up with this expected routine, Mom decided she was going to fight back.  She was going to stand up to those Geese even if they won the fight in the process.  Approaching the farm Mom dropped her book bag down to the gravel road and walked straight towards those Geese yelling at them telling them they were going to leave her alone. 

She told them you see me coming down this road every morning and you know how afraid I am of you.  She demanded they stop bullying her.  Guess what?  They listened and obeyed.  Imagine that, the Geese understood English!  She told me after she stood up to them she had no more trouble out of those bold Geese.    

I've heard her give more detailed versions of that story a few times in my growing up years.  As I look back on all the challenges, tests, and trials I've endured in my life, the one consistent thing I've always done was face them fearlessly.  I've never allowed fear to stop me from going after a goal I've really wanted to obtain. 

Whenever I've found myself in situations which appeared hopeless, or look like I would never come through them victoriously, I purposed in my heart to conquer fear first.  I've won many battles in my life recalling that story.  Whether she did it on purpose or not Mom gave me what I call it another gift that just keeps on giving.    Thanks Janis for reminding me I am more than a conqueror no matter what obstacles I face in life!