Hope Is a Bright Star

Following my daughter Elizabeth’s cancer diagnosis, I held onto hope, a fierce hope that stood guard wanting to protect her from any harm. After Elizabeth had undergone many months of treatments and experienced a torrent of adverse reactions to her chemotherapy, I recognized that I couldn’t protect her as I wanted to, but I didn’t give up hope. Hope kept me company on sleepless nights by my child’s bedside. Hope accompanied me to each doctor’s visit and assessment of my child’s advancing illness. And, in time, despite the signs of my child’s impending death, I held onto hope for a miracle.

I tell you this story because you’ve likely have had an experience where you held onto hope fiercely when facing dire conditions. Hope keeps us resilient in the face of challenges; hope gives us stamina when we feel overwhelmed; hope acts as support when our foundations are shaky. And, after the death of a loved one or after we have experienced a life-changing event, hope is a bright star shining on a moonless night.