From Here Springs Hope

As SMFs, we at this time of the year, had made it through the winter and had so much to look forward to. Spring meant the loosening of the coat buttons, the unwrapping of scarves around the neck, mittens in the pockets, hats forgotten, and the dreams fulfilled of playing outside at recess once again…in warmth! Oh, the sure joy of spring settling into our bones again.

Hopscotching without ice, billy-buck-buck without frostbitten fingers, gym class outside, and open windows in the classroom were signs of spring being here to stay. Fresh cut flowers for Mary’s Shrine at the front of the classroom were always a welcome sight. The fragrances of these gifts from the students’ homes filled the classroom. Forsythia and tulips brightened our days. Irises and sprigs from cherry and apple trees delighted the senses. I can’t say I speak for the boys, of course, but they were the first to loosen their ties come springtime! Spring brought change and it was welcome.

Spring meant that daylight savings time was right around the corner and that meant we would procrastinate our homework till after the sun went down. We wanted to grab every moment of sunshine available. Extra playtime after school was the order of the day too. After a long winter, it was probably welcomed by our parents and nuns as well.

The daily hum-drum of routine to survive the short hours of winter was at an end. Spring symbolized the continuity of cycles and we would watch our school’s continuity and creativity at work once more. There was preparation for all the good things that come with the rebirth of spring: Easter Sunday, First Communion, Confirmation classes, the May Procession and choir classes for all of them. Last but not least of course was the readying for graduation. So much to do! We all participated and shared in the succession of joy of each student through their advancement through each grade.

Yes, rebirth, but with the dependability of cycles and routine was the nature of spring. Tradition helped our routines but with new twists each year as each new class added their own flair to the ceremonies. It must have worked too as we are still together today as friends and family celebrating the same great events with the same joie-de-vivre as we did when we were young.

Hope springs eternal! Enjoy it. You’ll be glad you did.

Cathy