MAY 2018 LIGHT FEST

SATURDAY, MAY 12
A MOTHER'S DAY TO REMEMBER

I have always wanted to go to a Light Festival. Light Festivals have different meanings in different cultures. It began as a Chinese custom. The Chinese hold light festivals to celebrate the end of the Chinese New Year. In the Chinese culture, lanterns are let go to symbolize letting go of your past self and embracing your new self. Over the years, other cultures have adopted and adapted the tradition. In the United States, Lights Festivals can be celebrated at anytime. People attend these festivals as a way to share their goals and dreams, let go of their fears, and remember loved ones who have passed away.

For Mother's Day, my family gave me this experience. It was the most precious gift and at such a perfect time! Even though we moved to Trussville in February of 2017, this year was the kids first year at school in Trussville and my first year working in Trussville City Schools. It has been a wonderful roller coaster of experiences. The festival gave us all the opportunity to reflect on what we've learned, how we've grown, and goals for our future. I also got the opportunity to remember my dad and talk to my children about the humble man their granddaddy was.