My Eternal Hope

Commended Entry: "My Eternal Hope" by Lizzie Xu from Rome/ Italy

This article was submitted in the Kids World Travel Guide Essay Competition 2021 in the Junior Category 8 - 11 years.

My Eternal Hope

Because of the pandemic, so many people have had to rely on hope to keep themselves going — I know I have.

Here is how hope has helped me during this difficult time.

Firstly, I have a secret paradise in my dreams: tremendous Tuscany, with its cradle-like arms that lull me to sleep. Its rolling hills satisfy and relax me, making me think of hope for the future, when we no longer need masks or social distancing.

Tuscany has an amazing landscape filled with olive groves and it gives me the sense of an encouraging spirit. The sweet scent of lavender fills the air and transports me to a secret garden. Bees buzz quietly and butterflies dance around happily. In my dreams, the people are the butterflies, free and happy, when the pandemic has stopped.

Secondly, I find December, the month of Christmas, to be the best month for hope. I have always been filled with hope when Christmas comes, due to the fact that everyone is smiling and singing songs. Seeing happy people brings freedom to my heart. Laughing and cheering brings the spirit up quickly. My school has many Christmas activities for us and there are Christmas competitions to enter! By singing Christmas songs and decorating the Christmas tree, there is a tingle of merriment in me. Even though the pandemic has taken over the world, Santa will still come riding in his sleigh (even if it’s with a mask!) and scatter hope all around the world.

Lastly, I have somebody who gives me hope: my loving mum. She is the best person in the world—she always makes me feel like sunshine and caramel. During the pandemic, she has kept me entertained and energetic with smiles, hugs, laughter, games and so many other things. It was her who helped me find my happy place. She has also made learning easy by using an online learning platform to keep me engaged in my learning! When I am feeling down, mum takes me for walks and talks to me on the way. By doing these things, she makes me feel intrigued and cheerful.

My mum is a real-life heroine. Even though she is sometimes strict, she can be playful and kind too. With her guidance and love, I can always find my direction and walk towards it with love, hope, passion and strength.

To conclude, I have so many places and items that bring me hope. Most of all though, it is my mum who is my best source of hope.

After all, she has been my hope for my whole life! It’s not just during the pandemic that her love brings me warmth, happiness and kindness — it’s always.

Thank you for your lovely essay "My Eternal Hope", Lizzie. We enjoyed reading about your favourite places, events and favourite person, your mum, who can be very proud of you!

We all shall remember that memories of good and happy days and being with our favourite person will make every challenge less painful and more manageable. Sources of hope can be found anywhere and every day!

Congratulations! Well done!

Lizzie Xu is a student at St George's British International School in Rome/ Italy