Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Light and Dark

"Don't mind me, I'm as happy as a cricket here." - Jo March 

Dear Violet, 

If I only had two words to describe you it would be early bird pure joy. 
You are always ready with a kind word and a sparkle in your hazel eyes. A few weeks ago, your grandmother fell and broke her hip. Each night during her recovery, pajama-clad and wet hair, your top priority was to FaceTime her. You asked about her hip and shared about your day. It was simple; really, but it is in those small, everyday moments where I see your personality shine. You are happy and bright, spreading joy to all those around you. 
At seven years old you love horseback riding lessons and horses; in fact, you love all animals. You love to sit and watch a snail cross your path and cannot pass a dog without stopping for a pet. You love Heidi Heckelbeck and Here's Hank and Sophie Mouse and The Babysitter's Club. You love make-up and fancy dresses and wearing sparkly high-heeled shoes. You will sing and dance and perform for anyone willing to watch. You will forever love macaroni and cheese and insist on chocolate for breakfast every. single. day. You love frozen yogurt and marshmallows and strawberries. You love to rollerblade and to bike ride and swim team and to explore the greenbelt and will complain the loudest and the longest on a hike. You love to play "school" with your dolls. You are constantly making and giving and wrapping presents. You love stuffies and painting and are never one to turn down a snuggle. 
Today, at 10:58 a.m. in the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice arrived, a synchronized trade of dark and light. The shortest day and longest night have arrived, and the noon sun is at the lowest it will be all year. Since ancient times, people all over the world have celebrated this astronomical occurrence. In fact, old solstice traditions have influenced holidays we celebrate now, such as Christmas and Hanukkah. 

Near the Hill of Tara in County Meath, Ireland there is one of the most prominent Neolithic sites known as Newgrange. It dates to 3,000 BC with deep links to Irish folklore. Each year, on the winter solstice - a single shaft of light pierces the monument through a perfectly placed window box at the passage entrance, glowing in a golden path all the way to the burial chamber at its heart. The light is leading to its heart. 

Life has the potential to be amazing once we concentrate on deciphering all its wonderful subtleties, nuances, and details. If we pay attention, we can find joy and light and love in the simplest things or in the most unusual experiences. You, my love, remind me of the winter solstice. In a world of darkness, you are a bright shining sliver of light, leading to its heart. 

Keep shining bright and laughing often, my sweet girl. And if you wanted to sleep in one morning over winter break, I would be eternally grateful. 
I love you more than all the water in the oceans and stars in the sky. 

Love, 
Mommy 

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