A product of the JMC Network student media at Abilene Christian University

Youthful belief provides solace

When I was little, I believed clouds represented those in heaven. After all, they are above us, where we believe Heaven to be, and they are watching over us like they promised – or like we’re sure they would have promised if our pets could talk.

You may dismiss this idea as the foolish thoughts of a child, but first, think of how many times you’ve seen a cloud shaped like an animal – perhaps one you lost years ago. Think of the times you’ve tweaked your perception so a cloud looked like a person or even something that reminded you of a person. What if you allowed yourself to feel the comfort provided by this foolish idea?

Keep in mind, a 6-year-old girl with a curly mess of hair she’ll never grow into, wearing patched overalls and platform Sketchers, developed this theory.

I’ve grown up a little. I learned what clouds are, what they are made of and that science tells us a cloud is not friends and family I’ve lost or even the dog that died when I was 11. But, I can’t seem to let go of the belief that when I look up, I might see someone I miss for just a moment before they’re taken away with the breeze.

Hold onto beliefs like this. Hold onto the thoughts you used to comfort yourself when you were young – don’t let science, fact or rationality prove you wrong. Somehow, when we were young, we created fantastical theories to protect ourselves from fear, pain and sadness. We taught ourselves to be comforted after the loss of a loved one by looking up. Those theories are still in our minds; we just tend to silence them for the “grown-up” approach or rationale. Maybe if we can hold onto that innocence, that naiveté, we’ll find a little more peace during the times in life that make us hurt.