People count on me to be strong when they’re weak. But who’s strong for me when I’m weak? (Hindi Bindi Club, Monica Pradhan)

The idea of being strong is somehow, weird. All people are expected to be strong when they face every single thing in life. But try to pay more attention to people around you. There would be some people that you expected to be strong, while some others are justified to be weak. Sharing similar condition, you might merely gonna think, ‘I think she can handle it’ to one person, and grabbing a phone or even drive yourself to meet the person because you know that she/he would be devastated under this kind of circumstance. What would distinguish the two? The outer look? The sounds of their speech?

The first line indeed takes my attention when I read the book. And then it is getting stronger after the first episode of Brothers and Sisters Season II. This dialogue was spoken by the half-sister whom popped out in less than a year, namely Rebecca. So to make the story short, Rebecca finally live with her stepmother, the mother of the other full brothers and sisters, and this line were telling what she thinks of her stepbrothers and sisters were. She was saying this to Justin, the last brother who enlisted to Iraq. For someone who barely knows these brothers and sisters, I think her visions are deep. She is indeed looking beyond what appears. So this is the line:

Tommy, he always so stoic. Taking care of everyone around him. I’m just not sure who’s taking care of him.

Kevin, when he’s sad, he’s sarcastic and funny. He’s brutally funny. But I think even he knows that’s not always enough.

Sarah, she’s just this force, kind of like superwoman with the kids and the job. She’s always fighting so hard for her family all the time. But I’m sure she sometime wishes it was easier. Not so complicated.

Kitty, is the one I don’t really know yet. But I’m glad she came home. I think she needed to be here. I think being around her family is what grounds her. Gives her direction, keeps her sane.

And your mom – oh, she’s like the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. She knows how to handle everything, and everyone. But every so often, I can tell she’s a million miles away. And then she just looks so scared and small.

And you, you were wrong about being the black sheep. You’re the heart of this family Justin.

Guess this line really knows how people are somehow expected to be strong. Indeed, I could not agree more on this particular behavior required to face this bumpy and winding road of life. And there are many ways to express that you are strong. Sometime through jokes, or even tears.

But then, there are times when you just can’t handle it. No matter how hard you try to face it or even to run from it. It just can’t. It’s too much. You can’t avoid being weak. And I beg for it to be understood.

So, pay the attention once again. Look at the bravest person that you love, and tell them that even heroes have the right to bleed.