In times of darkness, let there be hope. I captured this picture titled, The Rose, just after my dad’s death in April of 2020. What I noticed when I reviewed my shot was that I captured so much more than just a plain and simple run-of-the-mill rose. The Rose, in this photo, was an artistic way of expressing my emotional experience at the time. (During a period of grief and mourning over the death of my dad) While the background mimicked my feelings of darkness following my dad’s death, the water droplets on this rose seemed to absorb some of the sorrow I was feeling. However, what was interesting was that The Rose, in full bloom & in it’s prime…with it’s soft petals and striking colors, offered an uplifting source of comfort during a very difficult time. It was almost as if The Rose was there, in that moment, to remind me: When you are surrounded by feelings of darkness, don’t forget to focus on the beauty and light that constantly surround you. Remember, that just as the water on THE ROSE is only temporary, so are your own feelings of sadness and sorrow. In these times of sorrow, remember to seek comfort and joy in everyday gifts that in pop-up in our paths. And, in times of grief, remember also to be grateful for each gift from the earth, whether your path today includes a single Rose or the largest ocean…approach your day with gratitude towards these gifts, and as depicted in the photo, feelings of darkness will fade towards the back. Beginning with a single rose, The Rose, this rose, despite my feelings of sadness and loss, helped me to again fill my world with the magic and wonder of the universe, and all of the beauty within it that surrounds us always. ?