Joyce thanked me for reminiscing and shared a memory from her own childhood and how she came to understand hope at an impressionable age--in a way that holds meaning for her still:
My parents had a small prayer book, published from the Passionists, called "Confidence in God." The cover was a substantial paper, slightly textured, plain navy-blue color. This made the title stand out. The physical image of the unusual booklet itself communicated the message of the title. I remember that booklet from my young years. The phrase grounded me as I pondered its meaning. I am not sure that I ever read the entire reflection or essay contained. But I never felt the need to read it. The phrase is one that I have returned to many times. "Confidence in God" would be my definition of "hope."
