From the Age of Innocence..........It is Hope

From the Age of Innocence...................It is Hope!

Diane Hastings

Recent events, a stark reminder of the negativity engulfing our planet.  "Is our world unraveling?"  Only if we allow it. "Why are we faced with such negativity?"  Because we not only allow it, we thrive on it.  Society has been beaten into submission, forced to embrace all things negative.  It hasn't happened swiftly, it has evolved.  What has happened swiftly, is the ability to learn of all things negative around our world almost before it happens.  Will society survive all of this?  Our planet's future is unbiased conversation, it is wide-eyed innocence, it is a belief anything can be fixed, if we allow it and it is in the hands of our children.

A 3.7 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Florida today, a jolting reminder of the devastating 2010 earthquake that destroyed a large part of Haiti.  One of the poorest countries in earth, it is still recovering.  Almost one year later, I met a charming little boy, a charismatic five year old personality, his ability to socialize, his wide-eyed innocence, refreshing.  Full of joy, bubbling with exuberant news, my young friend had a message to share. His trust of society, unwavering, he never questioned why, instead he asked why not. 

He knew the story of Haiti, his parents had shared it.  He was saddened people died, they had no homes, no food, no family. Did he understand, probably not, but he understood his parents role in all of this, he trusted their judgment and he was elated. He had a new sister, he wanted the world to know.  His parents' sadness and concerns for another society's hardships and struggles were met with a positive attitude.  He accepted their challenge, he embraced it with unwavering love, he would not question why.........he had purpose, he was going to be a big brother.

As the story unfolded, I learned she had come from Haiti.  Adopted because her parents died, she was about eight months old. Her new "Mommy and Daddy" and big brother had just arrived back on U.S. soil.  As missionaries, they had flown in to assist immediately after the 2010 earthquake, it's toll had left an indelible mark on their lives.  Determined to try and make a better life for the Haitian people, they continue to help with the rebuilding  process in Haiti. The explanation continued, a better life for this child, a new beginning, just one step at a time.  Wanting more children, but understanding the needs of an orphaned child, they accepted her as their own.  For my new found friend, no jealousy, just a natural sibling love and a new role in his life, a big brother. He was proud, proud of his role, proud of his baby sister.........."her name is Hope, it's just as pretty as her," he beams with pride.  "Do you know why we named her Hope?" His wide eyed age of innocence shining through, I quietly smile and whispered......"yes, yes I do!"