Light Changes Dark - Meb

        (Post by Meb)  I write this on the shortest day of the year, a dreary, rainy day, which in California is good news, considering the drought.

          The sad news is that my longtime friend, Patty, has gone home from the hospital and is on hospice. I am both full of grief and inspired. Anyone who has ever used child care that has been provided by someone other than a close relative has benefited from Patty's  state and national advocacy for high quality, early education and child care. Patty is a force. Her passion and persistence  have influenced thousands of people like me to work on behalf of children and families.

          They say an angel's work is never done. Perhaps this is because angels know how to lead so that others will follow and carry on their work. Something else about angels that I've noticed; they  seem to be good at helping others to fly. As Patty's human life-light wavers, the inspirational light she holds passes on, like the Olympic torch, from hand to hand and heart to heart. It ripples outward, possibly beyond what even she can imagine. I like to think her light will never end.

          In the midst of the holiday season, let us take some time to love and appreciate the angels in our midst,the human ones who inspire an d support us, those that work on our behalf, and the angelic host who may show up for a miracle or two when we need one the most. Let take time to thank the teachers, the officers and advocates who have given so much in service of others.

          Helen  Keller said that, "the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or thought but are felt in the heart." The gifts of the heart are the best ones and they really do light up the world.  This holiday season hold your heart-light high. Let it inspire others to do the same. We can all be torches aflame together and for one another, sending the darkness away. (Meb)