In January, 2007, Mary began sending e-messages of hope to clients, colleagues, family and friends. By sharing inspirational quotes paired with events, stories and circumstances from her own life, Mary hoped others would see themselves and find hope in their own. This delightful book is the result of the overwhelming response to her “Hopelets.”

Why do children believe in fairies, but “grown-ups” don’t?
~From The Meaning of Life by Trevor Greive

Hope presents itself in unexpected places and in the simplest things. We look for neon signs and blaring trumpets, but hope often comes in a whisper.

I was recently entrusted with the care of my youngest grandson, Dylan, for a few days while his mom and dad were away. What a gift----precious alone-time for the two of us to just hang out together. Once again I was given the opportunity to look at life through the eyes of a precocious two-year-old child. A trip to the grocery store for the usual cereal, bread and milk was transformed to an adventure, seeing things that were red, yellow, blue and orange. "Gramma! Look! There's a G! G says 'guh' ...like ...in Guh-ramma!!" Later, on the back patio, I simply blew bubbles from a fifty-cent kit (complete with wand) as my grandson gleefully tried to catch them in his little hands.

That night as he curled up in my lap for his story before bed, I looked down at my grandson’s sleepy eyes, hooded with lashes to be envied by women everywhere (including me!) It was as if I was holding his daddy again, my own little son, Eric, sleepy eyes hooded with the same long, thick lashes. Dylan's middle name is Nels--a name shared by my father and my grandfather. Embodied in this beautiful little boy are my past, my present, and my hope for the future.

In today's busy, stressful, painful and noisy world, it is easy to miss the signs of hope. We are preoccupied with deadlines--assignments--frustrations--disappointments--regrets--pain--loss--grief--------etc.

But what if we could once again look at our world--at our lives-- through the eyes of a child? What would we see? Would we marvel at the sound of G? Would we look with awe and wonder at the range of colors in our world? Would we be mesmerized with the simplicity of a bubble floating on the wind? What would you look at in awe and wonder?

Hope often speaks to us in whispers. Don't miss the whisper while seeking neon signs and blaring trumpets.