Hope Conquers Fear

For your consideration…..

This is a picture that was created for my neighbor, Ian. Ian climbed these steps last Monday. It is easy to dwell in the grief of losing someone so promising at 15….top goalie, top student, great friend, great son, great brother. At 15, Ian had done more than most people do in a lifetime.

Yes, it is easy to dwell in the grief until we get still and remember. The bottom of these steps is just a breath away, the blink of an eye. Ian is just that close as all of those we love and miss are. They have made a shift but are forever just that close.

I always believed that on faith. Then my father gave me and my girls the greatest gift. In his death he showed us the reality of our belief and HOPE conquered all fear.

It is a long story, I think I will save. But I will give away the ending today. On a sunny cold November day my girls and I were listening to a U of M and Penn State  football game on the radio as we drove home from the hospital. Dad had just passed. We had grabbed lunch and were headed back home. I remarked to the girls how beautiful the sky was. It was a tablet of robins egg blue with orange stripes. We all looked. We looked down and then up again within 10 seconds. In that time the orange stripes had broken into x’s.  No, there were no planes. And we all knew, just knew, Dad wanted us to know he was OK, indeed joyous.

Not long after I was told Dad sends me ladybugs. Ok, if you say so. To this day, 15 years later, I get ladybugs in the strangest places at the strangest times like on the stair steps on Thanksgiving Day. It is just Dad’s reminder that he loves us and doesn’t miss out on anything.

While I had many questions and was searching before, Dad solidified my journey. I am forever grateful for that precious of gifts. It is our HOPE Ian does that for his parents, brothers, sister, family, and friends.

Ian was so special. He accomplished his goals here and is on to God’s bigger plan for him. Lucky for us he is playing for our team. As always, God gets the first round draft.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, hope by hope actions steps anyone can take…

-Look, really look, at everyone who crosses your path today. If they are a loved one or friend, hug them. If you don’t know them, send them a blessing.

-Spend as much time outdoors as you can. Breath deep. Soak up some sun.

-Pause for as long as you can. Listen.

-Drink lots of water

What made me smile yesterday……

-The HOPE that some of our sadness will be lifted

-Seeing many old friends we haven’t seen in a long time

-A beautiful flower pot, I bought as a treat for me

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Chris