Physical Hope

I went to the door today and picked up my mail, including a small, soft package. Inside, I unwrapped the mysterious object above and the following note from my blogger friend Kathleen at the beautiful Hill Country Mysteries.

Dear Elizabeth,
This is a sea-heart. I found it on the beach in Miami after a storm.
It's the seed of the liana vine that grows along rivers in Central and South America. The seeds fall into the river and are carried out to gulf/sea/ocean, where they float in the currents. A seed may float for 18 months, two years, or more, through hurricanes, and no rain, burning sun, hundreds sometimes thousands of miles before working up on a shore.
I'd hold the sea heart in my hand and think about that journey, how far and how hard. And I'd think that if a little seed could make that trip, I could make the next day. Then I'd put it in my pocket and wrap my fingers around it when I was discouraged. Physical hope.
I'm hoping for health for Sophie and the best for you and your family too.


Is this not the kindest gift?

Thank you so much, Kathleen. From the bottom of my heart.

I have physical hope, now.