Let It Shine

/ Ann Coleman

When I first heard that my granddaughter was going to be born six weeks early, I was very worried.  Two of my sisters were born too early and hadn’t survived, and a close friend also lost her son who was born prematurely, so I suppose it was only natural that I was scared.  But as I told friends and family about my granddaughter’s birth, I was surprised by how many of them took the time to assure me that my fears were probably misplaced.  I heard story after story from people who had either been preemies themselves, or had a friends or family members whose premature babies grew up to be perfectly healthy children and adults.  I can’t tell you how much those stories helped me, and how much I needed that support.

There’s a popular meme on social media that says something along the line of “everyone is dealing with some kind of hardship, so please be kind.”  And that is so true.  I told people about my granddaughter’s early birth, but there are times when we don’t feel comfortable sharing our problems with others, for whatever reason.  Which means that all of us are almost constantly interacting with people who are hurting, and how we treat them can either help lighten their load or make them feel even worse.  In other words, how we treat others really is a big deal.

It’s especially a big deal right now, as our world seems to face one huge challenge after another and the number of people suffering seems to grow larger every day.  I have no idea what the answers to all these problems are, but I do know that my actions and my words matter.  I may be only one person with zero influence on world affairs, but I can still try to make things just a little bit easier on those around me.

As a blogger, I can use my posts and comments to encourage other bloggers and readers. As a wife, daughter, mother and grandmother, I can give my time and energy to help my family when they’re struggling.  And while I may not have the strength I once did, I can still walk most shelter dogs who desperately need a break from the isolation of their runs.  My personal gifts may be few and not particularly impressive, but I can still choose to use them as much as possible.  And that’s true, I believe, for all of us.

DA56F645-3AF5-4B06-94B8-F2460D5CDBC3In these dark times, all of us have the choice of either spreading the darkness even further, or being a light for those around us.  I hope that we choose to be the ones who encourage and support each other, just as those people helped me when I was so worried about my granddaughter being born too soon.  I’ll always be so grateful to those who assured me she would be just fine, because as it turns out, they were right…..

87 thoughts on “Let It Shine”

  4. She is precious, for sure, Ann. As Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “We have nothing to fear, except fear itself.” The fears we have inside our heads can be truly debilitating. I always try to expect the worst, but hope for the best. It does not always work, but, I keep hoping. Stay well, do your best and be kind. Allan

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    • Thanks, Allan. That’s what I do too: prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. As you say, it doesn’t always work, but I think it’s the best we can do. I hope you stay well too!

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  5. Yes, we all need that reassurance at times don’t we. And what a precious little angel your grand daughter is! Lovely words here Ann and so true. Thanks for being a constant light in the darkness, a voice of kindness, care and compassion, at a time when the world needs it the most.

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  6. Your words touched me Ann as I too have been struggling with how to cope in these uncertain times. A lovely post. I wasn’t sure if I should continue to post or what to say but I am managing to try to get the balance that suits me best. Just today I’ve written a similar post.
    In regards to your granddaughter I am so happy to hear all is well. My granddaughter was born a bit early at 25 weeks over in the UK (I’m in Aus) in August 2019 (weighing 845g) and I’m desperate to see her before she gets too much older, maybe I’ll be there for her 3rd birthday this year! She is a little (yes she’s still little) ray of sunshine and is doing really well all things considered. I had no idea of premature births before she was born and have learnt a lot! Kindness is the key at the moment 🙂

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    • My granddaughter is small for her age as well, but I don’t know if that’s a result of being a preemie or not. My daughter was also small for her age until she turned 11 or so, and she was five days overdue! So it’s hard to say, I guess. I”m so glad your granddaughter is doing well and really do hope you get to the UK soon. I think one of the hardest parts of Covid was how it kept so many of us away from our loved ones. I hope you continue to post, as I think that’s the best way to fight the darkness: keep spreading the light! Take care!!!

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  9. Two of my grandsons were born 4 and 6 weeks early. I know how you felt. It’s amazing looking back how once they were home from their extended stay in the hospital how quickly they grew. Now at 7 and 9, it’s hard to think they were ever preemies. ❤️

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    • Thanks Janis! This post was triggered by both the realization of how much I’ve been helped by others willing to “shine their light” on me, and by how often I see people choosing to vent their frustration on others, which just makes things worse. I think we all (including me for sure) need to remember that we really do have a choice in the matter. Help make things better, or help make things worse…..and I know which one I want to choose, as often as I can!

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  12. Ann-
    As a mother of a premie that has grown into a wonderful young man I could really relate to this post. Looking back at pictures of him in those days after he was born I was so worried that he might not make it and prayed that he was strong enough to survive. Fear of the unknown is a powerful tool that can test us in ways we are unable to comprehend at the moment we experience them. Someone once shared their wisdom of “why?” They said “It is the universe’s way to prepare us for the next hardest thing.”
    Your words and wisdom provide so many comfort and your caring talents are not small at all! This blog is wonderful example of how one persons voice in the multitude of others can bring hope to a more peaceful World.
    Stay strong and stay wise and please continue to provide such beautiful insight through your words.
    🙏💛💙

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    • Thank you so much! It’s amazing how many people have either had a preemie, were born a preemie themselves, or had a close friend or family member who was a preemie. And it helps so much to know that, too, because it helps chase away the fear. They are so tiny when they’re born that they look so very fragile. And also, thanks for being such a great blogging friend…your support and encouragement are a perfect example of what I’m talking about!

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  15. “My personal gifts may be few and not particularly impressive, but I can still choose to use them as much as possible.”
    You nailed it. I’m going to ask my students to memorise these lines. I will, too.
    Your grand daughter looks lovely.

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  16. It was beautiful for me to read of your appreciation for your granddaughter, Ann. You have certainly helped so many others with your writing, too.
    Those that gave you hope were definitely lights in the darkness. My first-born son Jason died when he was five and the light in my life went out for a while. Thankfully, he returned to me in a different way. I’ve dedicated many songs to him. One of my favorites is named “My Shining Star.”
    Your granddaughter is a shining star and she is lucky to have so much love surrounding her!

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    • I can’t begin to imagine how hard it must have been to lose a young child. And I love that you’ve dedicated songs to him…that is a wonderful thing to do. And thank you for your kind words about my granddaughter. She is certainly one of the bright points in my life, and we’re so very grateful for her!

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  18. There are times when to “do” small is to make a tangible difference: if we could just be the person God wants us to be to each person we meet, even if it’s just one person, the world today would be very different.

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    • You are so right. We always look at all the big changes that need to happen, and often feel overwhelmed. But if we just acted the way God intended, to ourselves and each other, we wouldn’t have any of those big issues at all. It seems so simple, and yet it seems so elusive too…. Thanks for being one of the lights in my world!

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  20. Your granddaughter is so pretty! She has mesmerising eyes. When I meet young , expectant children like her, I often wonder what kind of world we may leave behind for them? As human beings, no matter how insignificant or small, it’s our cardinal duty to foster a society full of hope and happiness. May God bless your granddaughter and her generation.

    And while we are at it, we must denounce the unfettered monsters who unleash pandemics and wars on hapless fellow humans. May the blackest curse befall the devils of the planet.

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    • Thank you so much! She often looks as if she is thinking deep thoughts, even though she’s just one year old. And I agree that the next generation, all over the world, deserve better. We do need to foster a society of hope and happiness, and find the courage to stand up to those who make it their business to cause damage and harm. We have had more than enough of that lately, and it can be frightening. Here’s hoping that love eventually prevails.

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  21. You are being a light with this post about your granddaughter, your worries and how we never know the battles people we encounter are fighting. Jesus calls his people to “be the light” and more light is always needed.

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  23. Hi Ann – I believe that if we all do this, we will have an impact. Collectively, we can help and influence in a big way and that begins with being kind and thoughtful to the people around us. Because you’re right, eveyrone is going through something, even if they don’t talk about it.

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    • I think that when each of us does our best to help others and be a positive influence, it really can make a big impact. And it’s easier to help others when we remember that most people are just like us…..trying to make sense of a confusing world! Thanks for your comment, Barb!

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  24. Your granddaughter looks like a wise little chick. Your worries were unfounded, thankfully. I choose to be a light in these dark times, too. Would that more people adopted a less negative [or mocking] attitude toward daily life.

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    • If only all of us tried to be a little more tolerant of others, at least some of the time. We all have our moments when we aren’t our best selves, but the important thing is that we just keep on trying. Thank you for being such a bright light in the blogging world!

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  25. Your post is one that should be passed along. Most of us cannot make a big impact in the world, but we can make our part of the world better through kindness and understanding. I have had experiences where strangers literally popped up out of nowhere and helped me when I needed it. I don’t know their names and will never see them again, but will never forget them.

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    • That’s such a good point…even when someone we don’t know helps us, it makes a huge difference in our lives. We don’t forget, and we are forever touched by their kindness. Hopefully, we are also motivated to pass it on. That’s the way we make the world a better place, I believe!

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    • Thanks so much, Ellen! I think the world needs all the light it can get right now…..hopefully, we’ll all do our part, because I do think it makes a difference.

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  28. This is beautiful, Ann, and so heartfelt. The compassion and love that you have really shines out from your words. I agree it’s so, so important to be kind because none of us knows what another is going through. At the moment, there are so many awful things going on in the world and particularly with this dreadful war and heartbreaking loss of so many innocent lives, it’s all we can do, any of us, to make someone’s life better, even momentarily with a gentle word and even if it’s only one person it counts for so much. A kindness can never be done too soon, I think. If only Hitler, Stalin, Putin … had true strength to be kind rather than warmongers, the world would have been and would be a better place for so many lost and displaced souls. As I commented on Mick’s post today, Jimi Hendrix quoted, ‘When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will know peace.’ If only …

    Your granddaughter is just gorgeous and I’m glad she’s such a little beaming ray of light in your life. My sister was born three months early back in 1972. She weighed 1.3 kg and was lucky to survive as prem. care wasn’t as advanced at that time. She’s fine now. My son was also premature and is now a fit, healthy man of six feet and two inches! I hope your little one continues to do as well as she is at the moment.

    Thanks again for your thoughtful words, Ann. Ellie x ❤

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    • Thanks so much for sharing that, Ellie! The stories of preemies who grew and thrived is so helpful to those families who are just now dealing with it. I have a friend who just found out that her future grandson will definitely be born early, and I was able to reassure her that it will probably be just fine. They can do so much now!
      And I agree that if only the people who start these nasty and unfounded wars could have a change of heart, it would be so wonderful. Meanwhile, all of us who aren’t in charge of armies just have to do our best to try to light up our own little corner of the world, and trust that the light will spread and be enough to overcome the darkness. Thank you for your part in that…..it is very much appreciated!

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  29. Love it! That’s what I’m hoping will happen with this Russia situation, too. It seems like people are wanting/expecting the end of the world, forgetting that we actually have the power to either will it so, or to not. I hope this makes sense. We can collectively be more positive and expect and do better, and hopefully, that will do some part in driving out evil.

    And the little one is a cutie-patutie!

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    • It absolutely makes sense. I keep hoping that as the world unites against this invasion, it will be enough to stop the war and violence. We do have more power than we realize, when we work together towards peace. And thanks for the compliment on my granddaughter! She has stolen our hearts for sure!

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  30. Aw, what a cutie! You’re absolutely right, Ann: lots of people are hurting right now, and it seems to me that we should be treating one another with gentle hands. We can’t know everything strangers (or even friends) are facing, so we probably ought to err on the side of kindness. Not that we excuse bad behavior; more that we don’t contribute to it. Very impressive that you walk shelter dogs. I’ve seen some of the college students at our shelter, playing with the dogs, and I find that a noble thing to do.

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    • I honestly don’t know anyone who isn’t struggling a bit right now, what with the pandemic and the recent war, and all the other problems that have been around for far too long. I think the best thing we can do is to lead by example, and be “the change we want to see,” as that saying goes. And thanks for your comments about shelter dogs….it is hard but so very, very rewarding!

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    • Thank you, Linda! You already know that you are such a light to so many people….not only the comments you leave on my blog, and other people’s blogs (we follow many of the same ones), but also in your posts. You are an example to all of us as to just how far a kind or encouraging word can go. Thank you! You are on of those who lives out your faith in a very real and helpful way.

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      • Thank you so very much! I do feel the same about you…I so look forward to your posts! Especially now, when so much heartache is going on around us, we need to support and encourage one another. 🙂 We cannot change the world, but we can each make the world a better place.

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  38. Your granddaughter just made me smile with delight, Ann. What a cute little star. You know, of course, that if we all tried to be kind and did little things to make the lives of those around us better, the world would be transformed. Every kindness counts. Hugs.

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  39. oh what a cutie Ann!

    You and Miriam do write similarly, always warm wise advice with honest personal illustration which I so appreciate 🙂

    After more than ten days our govt is finally getting involved in our flood disaster so most of us volunteers have been shrugged off … but still we are networking to empower small pockets of survivors who have no idea of what help they can get. As you say we must all ‘help’ to the best of our ability!

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  40. I love this post, Ann, wonderful encouragement! Our actions and our words mean something. If everyone was a little slower to anger, a little kinder, and a little more willing to help those around them the world would be a better place over-all. Another meme I’ve seen over the years is “Words are powerful. The have the power to hurt or heal.” Thanks for sharing and thanks for sharing the photo of your granddaughter. I’m so glad you were encouraged by others in your worry for her. She’s adorable! A side note, and a little late, but my husband was a premie, from sixty-two years ago. He’s a 6’3” former college football player! (hehe)

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    • Thanks, Brenda! And you know, those were exactly the kind of comments that helped so much to hear when we first found out that our granddaughter was going to come so early. Knowing that so many other preemies grew up to be big, strong and healthy was very reassuring! And I love that meme you mentioned too….I honestly don’t think we always realize just how much of a choice we have: do we help make things better, or do we make things worse? Here’s to always choosing wisely!

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