HOL

The word 'hope', as used nowadays, doesn't appeal to me because it's always 'set' in the future and really, the future never comes. It's always .... tomorrow. (No, I don't care for that song from Annie either!)

And when tomorrow comes .... it's 'now'. Huh.

I google searched 'hope definition' and got this

1. a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen

However, right after that, is this -

2. archaic
a feeling of trust.

That I can feel, can agree with, because 'trust' is a present thing. A 'now' thing.

This morning, after chores and walking back in the clear crisp air and looking at the golden leaves on the aspen trees, I was reminded of the Sierra Nevada mountains and of a song which I particularly love, The Eagle and the Hawk, sung by John Denver. So I sing it ... and when I get to the end of the verses, I notice the word 'hope' in there. Ah. Remembered this lesson!

I am the eagle, I live in high country
In rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky
I am the hawk and there's blood on my feathers
But time is still turning they soon will be dry
And all of those who see me, all who believe in me
Share in the freedom I feel when I fly
Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops
Sail over the canyons and up to the stars
And reach for the heavens and hope for the future
And all that we can be and not what we are

***end of lyrics****
Although, while singing it, I invariably change that last line to "And all that we can be, all that we are"

But look at the line "And reach for the heavens and hope for the future". I like that.

"Andrei, I know you loved her, but she passed away over a decade ago. It's perfectly fine to still love her and miss her, but you need to move forward with your life. You need to let her go."

Kaylena looked at her best friend for a long time. She knew what Andrei was thinking, even if he couldn't admit it to himself. Andrei felt responsible for Zara's death. He had introduced her to the man whose direct actions had resulted in the loss of Zara, but now that man could not be located, and Andrei vowed his entire life would be devoted to finding him so Zara could have justice. Almost every waking thought was focused on Hoping for that future outcome. But such a focus meant Andrei continued grieving Zara's loss as if it had just happened, and couldn't move forward with his life. No wonder he was so irritable all the time! The only pleasure he could possible get from this would be warm and happy memories. He actually reminded her of Severus Snape!

"Andrei! Hope is wonderful. It's great to have a goal to work towards, and your's is definitely noble, but I may be your last friend. Tell Zara you love her, and then let's set some action steps for tomorrow. Tonight, let's go see a movie. How about it?"

Andrei nodded. Kaylena had won a battle, but she had a long way to go to win the war