Trigger Warning: Child Loss
Dates carry significance, and they tell stories of our lives. For me, November 8th is marked by trauma and heartache. In 2013, we lost our 18-month-old son in a tragic car accident, turning our world upside down in an instant.
Nothing can prepare a parent for the loss of a child; it defies the natural order of life. While losing my mother to breast cancer during my teenage years was a profound sorrow, holding my son as he took his last breath was an unimaginable horror. It fundamentally altered who I am and left me shaken to my core.
At times, I wished to retreat from the world; I still do. Grief is a heavy burden, often overwhelming and persistent. Learning to navigate that pain and continue on has been one of life’s most challenging lessons. Some days I manage, and other days I falter. My victories are measured by the ability to endure the tough moments—and trust me, there are many of those.
Joe Biden’s journey through loss resonates deeply with me. If you haven’t experienced the anguish of losing a child, it’s difficult to truly comprehend. My heart ached when I learned of his son Beau’s passing in 2015, especially knowing he had already faced the loss of his wife and daughter years before. How does one endure so much grief and still find the will to live?
Recently, I’ve seen social media posts describing the current President as “strong.” He’s praised for overcoming the coronavirus and for dominating debates. A September Gallup Poll indicated that he is perceived as a more “strong and decisive leader” than Biden.
As a nation, how are we defining strength? What qualities do we want in our leaders? Reflecting on that earlier question—how does one endure immense loss and keep going?—I realize that strength can be interpreted in many ways.
We can acknowledge Joe Biden’s “strength” for surviving his profound losses, but I would argue he embodies bravery. He could have easily given in to despair. Instead, he holds onto hope. His desire to run for President is rooted in that hope for our country. He possesses empathy, which is essential for anyone who has experienced grief. His quiet integrity is born from self-reflection through adversity.
Every time I hear him speak, I see the qualities of resilience and determination. I hear thoughtful plans for moving this nation forward in the wake of 2020. To me, he represents someone who has faced unimaginable challenges yet still believes in a brighter future. This is how we should define true strength.
I’m not suggesting that Mr. Biden is strong solely because of his losses; rather, he demonstrates strength despite them. In his darkest moments, when he could have chosen to walk away, he chose to persevere. He exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit, showing that with hope, love, and support, anything is achievable. If he can find a way to heal himself, I believe he can also guide this country toward healing. As Elizabeth Warren said, “Hope isn’t given to us; it is created by us.” This is why I’ve cast my vote for Joe Biden; I believe in that hope.
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Summary
In this reflective piece, Jenna Lark shares her profound experience of losing her toddler in a tragic accident and how it has shaped her understanding of strength and resilience. She draws inspiration from Joe Biden’s own experiences with loss, highlighting the difference between perceived strength and true bravery. Lark emphasizes the importance of hope and empathy in overcoming grief, both personally and as a nation.
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