Anchors in the Storm

Little One, when you find yourself 
in the middle of a storm that’s raging, 

turning all that once felt solid and whole 
into a jumble of winds too rough to understand,

 amidst your tears and fears and anguish, 
there is an anchor to keep you steady.

A connection that’s here, 
right in the middle of all the whirling chaos 
that’s happening right now.

Find a hand. Hold it. It will hold yours. 
Feel the strength. The connection and love. 
Strong enough to withstand any weather.

Even when you’re scared or worried 
because the world feels too different or unfamiliar, 
you can rely on your anchor. 

Any hand will do. Even your own.

And if you’re afraid that someone dear to you 
is without an anchor in a storm of their own, reach out. 
Reach out your hand with your words, Little One,
just as I’m reaching out to you.

Our connections to each other are everlasting.

Even when the hand you want to hold can no longer 
be held as it once was.

Please believe me: your connection is still here. 
You may need to anchor deep inside your heart, 
beneath the sadness, but you will feel that the connection 
is real, even in the midst of such uncertainty.

The winds will settle, Little One. 
The sun will shine. Flowers will bloom. 
And yes, storms again will pass through.

But your anchors, your connections, 
are always here to stay.

-JLK