Monday, February 4, 2013

Overcoming Adversity, a dragon practice

Scattergun Scribblings


The Overcoming Adversity bloghop is hosted by Nick Wilford from Scattergun Scribblings. It is part of his campaign for his stepson Andrew, who has cerebral palsy. It's all for a noble cause and there is still time to join.  Please click on the links to learn more about it. Theme is: overcoming adversity for something you believe in.

Art: Ghostwalker2061

Father Dragon and the Dragon Slayer

“The greatest treasure you will ever find is in books,” my Grandfather used to say. “Intellect is more precious than gold.”

My grandfather treasured knowledge. It shaped his personality. He believed in selfless service but not in submission. He was born under adverse circumstances. Raised as an orphan, he suffered of bad health since a hatchling. Wealth knocked at his door two times; the first as a heritage that humans stole from him, the second in the form of corruption. He was too young to fight for the first and too honest to accept the second. He rather worked hard than steal.

“The fact you’re born with disadvantages doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to a bad life.”

Surrender to adversity was against him. Flaws were challenges and opportunities to show his quality. My Grandfather and I had a common enemy, the Dragon Slayer. That ruthless hunter poisons our bodies and can turn our life into a living hell. He is invisible when he attacks Dragon Fathers and only his opponent can see him. My Grandfather fought the Dragon Slayer first, but he taught me how he did it. He was aware I would become the next Father Dragon and I would face the Dragon Slayer sooner rather than later.

“Don’t be afraid of our enemy. He serves us to prove what we are made of,” Grandpa would tell me. “You and I have Champions’ blood.”

We fought together several times, and often we recovered from our wounds together. His wounds were always the worst but the more they hurt, the louder he sang. He encouraged me to sing along, and he told me jokes to make me laugh.

“If you laugh, it doesn’t hurt that much anymore. It’s when you focus on your wounds that the pain turns into a torment.”

Once I questioned him, rather upset of my mauled condition. “Where do you get strength to laugh at pain?”

 “Listen carefully. When you face adversity, sixty percent of the outcome depends on your attitude. If you accept the victim’s role –Fate’s victim, God’s victim, circumstances’ victim or your enemy’s victim – you will feel trapped and helpless. It will be your doom. But if you think of adversity like a mission appointed to the Ultimate Warrior, you’ll see the challenge but you will also feel empowered with fortitude and resilience meant for heroes. You will become that hero in your heart and you will strive to fulfill your mission, regardless the odds.”

I had the chance to see his words turn into action many times along the years. Doctors were in awe that he got better from conditions that meant death to any other dragon. In the end, it was not the Dragon Slayer that killed him but old age.

The last words of Father Dragon “The Great” to me were a joke. Mine were a vow.

I will never be the Dragon Slayer’s victim, but the hero that will conquer him because I am Father Dragon now.



39 comments:

  1. This story has a great message! You have learned many valuable lessons Father Dragon.
    Julie

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  2. I'd say a lot of it is in the attitude! Great entry, Al.

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  3. Go get um! This makes me want to stand up and fight! Love it!

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    1. :D Your words cheer up my day. Thanks J.A. :)

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  4. that was beautiful! and such inspirational quotes. great example!

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    1. Granddad was very "quotable" :) I'm glad you liked it, Tara.

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    1. Thank you Melissa. Did you get my note about your award?

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  6. Adversity makes us stronger. Just beautiful, Al!

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    1. That's right, Diane. I am glad you liked it. :)

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  7. What is it with all these blogs bringing tears to my eyes today?! Truly, you are teaching me many things, every time I visit here, Sir Dragon. Thank you!

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    1. A lot of great lessons in this bloghop. I am amazed. Thanks for reading. :)

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  8. Love, love, love this. Beautiful, Al. Very well done.

    And thank you for the award, I just got the note earlier today. :)

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  9. Nicely said, Father Dragon. Couldn't be more true. Adversity shows us what we're made of, and looking at it that way helps get us thru.

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    1. There are things I couldn't have handled if I didn't look at it that way. :)

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  10. What fantastic writing! Wow. I'm so glad I had the chance to read your work. Thanks for sharing.

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  11. What a great story of integrity and how to live a good life. I agree that the surest way to become a victim is to behave like one, and laughter is a great remedy to pain.

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    1. Thanks, Mary Pax. I liked your story very much, but I couldn't find how to leave a comment. Not the brightest dragon here. :)

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  12. Fantastic story, Father Dragon. It's attitude that makes a big difference.

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    1. Let's keep it mind, Christine. Thanks for coming. :)

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  13. A great post. If you play the victim then life will treat you as such and steamroll over the top of you. Takes courage to face up to things as a hero but it's the only way to deal with them.

    Thanks for taking part!

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    1. The bloghop was a great idea, Nick. My best to you! :)

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  14. It's all in the attitude.
    Great story Al. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Glad you liked it, Michelle. Thanks for commenting. :)

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  15. That was freaking awesome. Your grandfather was a wise and wonderful dragon and I'm certain you make him proud. So much good stuff in this. If only all people had some dragon blood and pride in themselves!

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    1. Thank you for your words, Elizabeth. Yes, he was awesome and I'm making my best to share with you a bit of that wonderful warrior my grandfather was. :)

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  16. What an amazing story. Sadly, I was too young and far away to have a real relationship with either of my grandfathers before they passed away. One did fight in WWII's Pacific Theater and later wrote a book that I inherited. one of these day, we'll see if I can do something with it. :)

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    1. I am sure you can do great things with it. :)

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  17. Father Dragon sounds like a remarkable man. what you're all doing for Andrew is very kewl.

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    1. It was fun to do this bloghop, and an honor. :)

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  18. Wise Father Dragon sounds like the mentor I've always wanted. Such a powerful story of keeping a healthy perspective. Great entry!

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    1. Thank you, Michael. I'm glad you liked it :)

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  19. This was excellent, truly. Wise words Father Dragon, wise words indeed.

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    1. I am making purpose on not forgetting them, Elise. :)

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  20. Nice story, and that Grandfather sure is a guy you can admire!

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