10 February, 2013

Ten years. Ten years. I have no words …

Yet, I must try.

Leonardo da Vinci said, He turns back who is not bound to a star.

Ten years ago, when we lit our first candle, that single flame was a star in a dark sky. The light passed, wick to wick, heart to heart. Now our community – our family – is an array of stars. Each of you is a singular light in the darkness, but together – as we are here – a constellation takes shape and burns more brightly in convergence than could any one of us on our own.

We are like parts of one great star, ever bound to each other, drawn together for this time … for this precious time. 

I am awed by you. Humbled. Grateful. Without you …

Well, I cannot bear to think of such a life.

Our days of celebration have passed too quickly, and this is goodbye, for now.  But leave with this, my wish for you:

Annus mirabilis. 

Defined as a remarkable or notable year, a year of wonders, of miracles. A phrase that speaks hopefully of the future. I want nothing less for you. 

May the coming year be magical. May you discover courage and vision. May you … surprise yourself. And may the path you travel firm underfoot until you are home again in the house you never left.

Father