Every spring since the beginning of the world, plants that look dead sprout new life. New sprouts poke up out of the ground, bloom, and grow fruit. Fresh rain and bright sun bring bright colors and hope to a world that is winter gray. Every spring, nature reminds us that the dark days will end. 

In Greek mythology, Persephone spends a few months in the Underworld with Hades, and the world grieves with winter. Every spring she is reunited above ground with her mother, Demeter. Rejoicing in the reunion, Demeter covers the world with flowers and greenery. 

There will always be grief and sadness. Now the world is dealing with a pandemic the likes we haven’t seen for a hundred years. Each day it seems like more friends of mine, virtual and real life, are being touched by this virus. I live in California, which has been devastated by wildfires every summer for several years. My own family, although their lives were spared, lost everything in the Camp Fire. For those of you who count a pet as a member of your family, you will understand my grief at the untimely death of my 8 year old Labrador, Luke, two weeks ago today. There will always be winter.

Remember even in your darkest days, though, there is always spring. Birds sing, flowers bloom, the sun shines. With a future that is uncertain in so many ways, we can be certain of one thing. This will pass. They say time heals all wounds. The tricky part is that the minutes, hours, days it takes to heal can be hard. In those times, look away from the grim news. Focus on the new life appearing in your yard and neighborhood. Wave to your neighbors. Call your friends. Spring is there, I promise. It will be here faster if you nurture that sprout.