A Letter to My Daughter on 2021

Dear Arielle,

While you got a taste of the normal that I grew up with during the beautiful summer months, we’re finishing off this year feeling uncertain and unsure of what the future will bring. 

But my outlook is more hopeful than what I was feeling on New Year’s Eve, 2020. 

In 2021 the world may have learned …

… That not everyone is willing to do their part to defeat a life-threatening virus. 

… That people will do their best to bring down a democracy.

… And that we seem to be past hope when it comes to global warming.

But we also learned …

… That actions speak louder than words. 

… That the vaccine works when used correctly. 

… And that doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers and first responders continue to be the true superheroes. 

All the while, in our own little world …

… You are running.

… You are having conversations.

… You are constantly learning so many new things, I can’t even keep track of everything you know!

But most importantly, you are pure love. 

It’s your smile and kind soul that has brought me so much joy and happiness during a time filled with so much uncertainty. It’s your generous nature that brings me hope. 

May you always remember that it is your duty to bring your light and love to the world in the hope of making it a better place, as we all should do. 

Happy New Year. I love you, my darling.