July 17, 2023
"A lighthouse is a tower that emits bright light from its top and is considered a sign of positivity as it guides the people in the right direction." ~ Virginia Woolf
It's no wonder that we often look to lighthouses for guidance, strength and hope. They stand tall, shining brightly giving us that focal point we may need to guide us "home". Lighthouses have been around for centuries, lighting the way for maritime and coastal navigators of hazards, navigational direction, guiding them to their destinations. They have distinctive shapes and colours with no two alike. Seeing one while at sea must have been a vision of hope that one had "made it" through the storm.
So it goes without saying that there are people in your life who are these pillars of strength, just like the lighthouses. They help guide you through the hazards of life while you are searching for your direction or a way "home". Maybe they only become visible at different times of your life to reassure you that you are doing a great job in life when you have those doubts. Maybe they are a constant, forever by your side. Either way, they always manage to shine when the future is starting to become dark so you can SEE. They are beacons of light warning and guiding us through the dark, uncertain times of our life.
My Mom was this beacon. This pillar of strength, full of wisdom and guidance, never asking for anything in return except for you to make it through safely, like the lighthouse. Even though I can't hear her voice anymore, I KNOW she is guiding me through easy and difficult times as well as helping me guide others through their own rough waters. I try to stand tall for those who need the extra support, providing a guiding and loving hand to get them through to the next part of their life. It is what she would do and its what I do because it is how she taught me to be.
Right now, so many people I know are hurting and they won't ask for help, they don't want to bother anyone. It is family, friends and acquaintances who are lonely and searching. We all need someone to lean on, a little helping hand or hug to give us hope, strength and love that could change the difficult times. Don't be afraid to lean either. We all need one other to get through this crazy life.
My Mom never asked for anything even during her last two months of life. She stood tall on the shoreline to assure us that we were going to make it through this storm, fully knowing her light was fading. Not a day goes by that I don't look for her light, remembering her words of wisdom and passing them on to those around me. So shine brightly so others can SEE the beauty that is all around them!! Your light, love and guidance can make all the difference.
(Photo "Standing Tall When the Light Fades" is the under construction SLEEPY HOLLOW LIGHTHOUSE, Sleepy Hollow, New York, July 2023)
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