White Dress

In the morning, as we were leaving Quito to start our journey back to Cuenca, the streets were empty from the New Year’s Eve revelry, except for a father and daughter. She was dressed in a lovely white dress, and I thought how optimistic she looked, assured in holding her Father’s hand. What a wonderful way to imagine the coming year – hopeful and confident!

“Another fresh new year is here.
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear.
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest.
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs.
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

~ William Arthur Ward