The Path Towards Hope
Every Sunday, The Dayton Daily News hosts a weekly column entitled, “Poor Will’s Miami Valley Almanack.” In it, William Felker enlightens us to the upcoming astronomical and earthly wonders we can anticipate over the next few weeks.
I love how he breaks it down. Awareness that in a week or so cardinals start singing before dawn connects to the fact that shortly thereafter, red-winged blackbirds make their entrance into the promise of Spring. And did you know that crocus sprouts are due in just a few weeks? He lays nature’s stepping stones towards Spring in chronological order so that for someone like me, bogged by winter blahs, the emergence of daffodil blooms feels like it’s just around the corner. Felker assures us of Mother Nature’s rhythm. Spring is coming.
Although I enjoy his column each week, this past Sunday I was particularly touched. I’ve been carrying sadness for those I know who’ve lost loved ones recently and are having a hard time coping with their new reality that includes profound grief. In my correspondence with someone who lost her son, she shared what a difficult time she is having. In her words, she feels lost. I couldn’t help but think of her and all those who feel lost; wondering how to thread new life into their struggle.
We all know the threat of despair stretches far beyond our very personal worlds. Devastation of entire communities due to wild fires in California defies any understanding. From afar, I wonder where and how rebuilding can begin. Senseless gun violence or blind sighting medical issues can leave us all literally on our knees in defeat. The expanse of time between ordinary life then and adversity now might feel very surreal. Difficult chapters in life can feel like forever time when in the midst, which brings me back to Felker’s reminders.
Chronicling the path towards Spring might be a metaphor for those who are struggling. When deep in the abyss of sadness, it’s hard to ever imagine how we can get to a place where laughter and joy might occupy the forefront of our hearts once again.
As I type, the temperatures are in the double digits and snow blankets our southwest Ohio world. I long for open windows and garden blooms breathing new life into our world. But as Felker lays out quite confidently the path Spring, we must bring each small reawakening with us as we chart a new way forward.
Enter a warming cup of tea, a walk in the brisk air, or the perk of your ears when you hear the pre-dawn bird song even in this frosty time. Each might feel inadequate or insignificant when lost within such big adversity. Yet, paying attention to the wonders beyond your aching heart is the place where the journey becomes bearable and shareable. All are invitations to keep moving and keep believing better days are ahead. For all of you reading my column today, look to the other page where my columnist neighbor, William Felker just might give you some hope.
Photo by Carol Carpenter on Unsplash