Faith, Hope, and Love . . .

". . . beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. You need to remember that when you find yourself at the beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up...and it will too."


"I realize that it doesn't matter who or what or when or where the hugging happens. Sometimes you just need a hug."

(From "Hope Floats")


Every time I watch the movie "Hope Floats", I find more things that I have never seen in it before. I think one of the reasons I love the movie so much is because it reminds me of the strong sense of family in southern families - and it reminds me so much of the bonds I have with my own family.

The last two years have been difficult because of the loss of so much for my family in Hurricane Katrina, in addition to losing both of my paternal grandparents (and losing my maternal grandmother one year prior). I think in the time immediately following loss, it is hard to truly put everything in perspective and you spend much of the time in a haze. For me, it has taken time to really think about and to accept that loss is part of life. I have always been a sentimental, touchy-feely type person and now more than ever I try to make a conscious effort to tell those around me how much they mean to me - regardless of what their reactions may be. I don't ever want to regret not sharing my feelings with others. I would encourage others to let friends and family know what they mean to you - every day - not just on special occasions.


The first quote really speaks to me right now because this is a time of lots of new beginnings. I wish that I had more control over things that are happening right now, but I don't and I am finding that that's okay too. I am learning to trust myself more than ever - and trust my heart - and hope for the best. I know good things are to come.