The Hour I First Believed

I have just finished reading an epic book. The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb incorporates real life events from our recent history, particularly Columbine and Katrina, as well as those from long ago such as the Civil War and women's suffrage into a story that works on so many levels it feels like a skyscraper.

It is a devastating story of an inordinate amount of tragedy visiting one couple. There were times when I thought I can't read anymore because this is so sad. Occasionally some gallows humor sneaks in to break up the gloom. Nevertheless, I am so glad I perservered as the message of grace (the books title come from the hymn Amazing Grace) and hope that resonates at the end makes it all worthwhile.

The book may be of particular interest to those of us in Connecticut as local historical figures, settings and UConn basketball references are woven in neatly.

In this moment of history that is so challenging for many of us, I encourage settling in with this book for a message of hope.

New Year

For a lot of folks I know, myself near the top of the list, 2008 was a challenging year. I don't think I have ever looked forward to a new year more than I have this year. Sometimes it feels so arbitrary, after all we are only moving from one day to the next. Nevertheless the idea of putting the past behind you and embracing the future in front of you is powerful. Tabula Rasa for the Latin lovers.

In that spirit, as I embrace the possibilities of the new year and the hope that it offers, I wanted to share this story of transformative hope that originally appeared in ESPN Magazine. I needed a hankie when I was done.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3789373
Happy New Year.