I Saw Sparks

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.

- Albert Schweitzer

I’m not sure I even noticed when my light went out.

Maybe it faded slowly.
Sometimes I wonder if it was ever really on.

None of that matters.

The only thing that matters is the immense gratitude I feel for those who helped me turn mine back on.

Those who held space for me.
Who listened to my stories and cried with me.
Who taught me what healing is.

Those whose acts of bravery deeply inspired me.

Whose gumption and hard work take my breath away.

Whose unconquerable optimism reminds me to always keep my face turned toward the light.

Those who showed me that magic still exists.
That it’s for all of us. And, if we believe in it too,
it can resuscitate our hearts.

I see you.
You make me stronger
and braver.

May we all rise, and keep rising.
May we always lift each other up,
in big and small ways.

And when the storm is darkest,
may we remember that it is never too late,
and we are never too far gone to find the light again.

Writing Prompt:

Have you ever felt your light dim and almost go out? What brought you back to yourself gently and unexpectedly? Who helped light the way with their own spark?