The Ornament
As I removed the ornaments from our tree, I looked at each one, handling it with care. I was moving more slowly than I normally do since I was recovering from the flu. My four year-old son helped with this task, asking questions about each one as he gathered the boxes for me.
As I was putting away one ornament, I found an ornament that had been left behind when the others had been placed on the tree; hidden under a bit of tissue paper. It was one of those Willow Tree Angels.
Each of these angel figurines/ornaments are assigned a particular sentiment; angel of love, peace, joy, motherhood, learning, etc. And each angel carries with her an object to represent her sentiment.
Family
Well, this one was given to me by my sister-in-law on the occasion of her wedding. She gave each of her bridesmaids one; each with a different sentiment. Now, at the time, I didn't think this future sister-in-law even liked me; and to be fair I should say that we barely knew each other at all.
I received the Angel of Hope. So, in my snarky, sassy head, I thought, "yeah, she hopes she likes me someday."
Well, I can't speak for her, but after 9 years of being together in the "Berend Clan", I certainly do like her. She's steadfast, always knows when to hold her tongue and always does the right thing; things that I am not always very good at; and it turns out she's witty and funny too. I am glad to count her as a sister and a friend.
Hope and Courage
As I looked at this Angel of Hope ornament with her hand outstretched, carrying a lantern, I thought of these things and then I read the little tag still attached to the ornament string; "Sharing the light of hope and courage."
And I realized that this is what I endeavor to accomplish through this blog.
I wish to spread hope for a new day, even if the past or present have proved to be dark. The sun will always rise; and we must each keep moving forward.
I wish to inspire courage in my readers; courage to speak, to do, to represent, to build, to take down, to explore. My intent is to convey to my readers that they must never underestimate themselves; they must never feel powerless in a powerful world.
It's my hope that by arming my readers with information; being straight forward with my words and feelings, even when they are not neat or pretty or perfect; and standing up for what I believe in through my written words, that I will encourage others to do the same.
The Scoop
When I created this blog, almost 3 years ago, I wanted merely to inform. I was ignorant about what it would mean to me and I hope what it has meant to others. With each year, I continue to flesh out the being that this blog is becoming, adding more depth and character with each passing year; at least that is my hope.
So, it is with great enthusiasm {despite having just spent the 1st 7 days of the new year under the influence of a nasty flu} that I choose my words to live by this year. They shall be hope and courage. Coming up soon: health care issues, gun issues and booster seats. Over and out...
Anna
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