I always think of February, colored in red, because Valentine’s Day is celebrated with red heart-shaped box of chocolates, a bouquet of red roses, and maybe even a special bottle of champagne to be shared. I look forward to being a recipient of one or more of these love gifts! This year is different as I see red in the fires and flames that are raging still in Los Angeles and consuming thousands of family homes, treasured possessions and lives that will always be remembered and never forgotten.
The destruction from these fires is horrific and the unnecessary overlay of politics, which continues to reach new levels of dysfunction and makes this catastrophe even worse. Yet out of the ashes of darkness and despair, there rises hope and a chance for a renewed future. I truly understand this on a very personal level as I wrote about our family’s house fire in The Fire She Set, a testimony to overcoming adversity during some of life’s darkest hours.
In February, we also celebrate President’s Day and the great leaders who shaped our history. We can only hope that our current president will take notice and strive to emulate this greatness as part of his own legacy.
So, whatever holiday you choose to celebrate, remember to surround yourself in love and good intentions and make the most of your February.
