“True bravery is when there is very little chance of winning, but you keep fighting.”
Joe Biden is a political figure who has faced tribulations both in the political arena and his domestic life. He has experienced too much loss from losing his wife and young daughter over 40 years ago to losing his son Beau Biden. The memoir charts his struggles with his political vocations while dealing with the tragedy back home. The strength required to balance both and facing grief is one that is exceptional considering the weight of the country and his son’s ailment.
“Funerals are for the living, I have always believed, and the job of the eulogist is to acknowledge the enormity of the loss they have just suffered and to help them appreciate that the legacy and accomplishments of their loved one have not died with them.”
Grief is an emotional journey for the living in coming to terms with the loss through acceptance. In the memoir, Biden is strong emotionally in handling grief but at times admits the hardship in moving forward. The title ‘Promise Me, Dad’ refers to the affirmation Beau extended to his dad to make sure he will be all right no matter what will happen. Biden keeps the promise by not completely crumbling but finding hope through his family. As a father who has had to bury two of his children, he understands their memories and legacy persist and remain with the living.
“The time will come when [his] memory will bring a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eyes.”
Beau Biden was accomplished in the legislative and political arena and furthermore served in the military. Akin to his father he had achieved a lot in the fields and had more potential to attain more with his career. Thus, he has left a legacy in the world that will resonate with many hence over time the memory will be of joy and not grief. In dealing with his grief Biden gives himself and his family hope of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel of heartache.
