Courage, A Poem for Bethany
by
Taylor W. Kendrick
for
Bethany Jean Kendrick
My beautiful brave daughter
Four foot tall sturdy against my office wall, Courage.
Giggles and tears showing no fear, Courage.
Blue eyes dancing, wrinkled nose laughing, freckled face crying, Courage.
Lungs breathing, heart pounding, pain surging, Courage.
Hands holding, tears flowing, prayers going, Courage.
Daddy’s girl, Mamma’s heart, Big sister with a broken part, Courage.
Bethany, I know you hurt. I know the pain is often too much to stand. I love you, and I wish I could take it for you. I wrote this poem just for you because I am so amazed at how brave you are. You have the courage of a mighty soldier. You are strong and courageous. We are so blessed that God chose us to be your parents. I am proud of you, and I know that our God will hear our prayers and heal you. Please know that I am always praying for you and that I love you more than these simple words could ever say.
Love,
Daddy
Copyright © October 2007 by Taylor W. Kendrick for Bethany J. Kendrick
All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.
Things Not Seen 
Mr. Kendrick,
Your poem for Bethany is beautiful. I don’t know what her “pain” is, but she is very fortunate to have a father like you.
Jean
Jean,
Thank you for your comment. We are blessed to have Bethany. We were never supposed to have her, so you can imagine now how hard we are fighting to keep her.
Bethany is currently suffering pain from complication with liver disease. She is having severe abdominal pain which has continued for more than a month.
Again, thank you for stopping by. God’s peace and blessings to you.
Taylor
Taylor and Angela, Bill and Kay,
Your poem is beautiful and is a wonderful statement of supplication for God’s healing hand.
Be assured that we will continue to pray not only for Bethany’s pain to be relieved and its source to be discovered and treated, but for her brother, and you parents and grandparents to have the strength to prevail.
Bonnie
Bonnie,
Thank you for your prayers and thoughtful note. I and my entire family appreciate your friendship and vigilance in prayer.
May God be with you and your family,
Taylor