What to make of random events and sightings? Shrug. Accept them. Give them meaning. Discount them. My mom believed everything had meaning. Everything was a symbol. For everything, there was a sign.

I used to laugh at her propensity for uber-symbolism. However, I was steeped in it. And, hence, it’s rooted within me.

This past week, I was reminded of that. I was in a car heading to work when I saw a horse crossing the city streets of New York. I giggled and noted, “Only in New York.” And, then my mom flashed before my eyes. She would have immediately noted that the horse sighting meant something to which we should pay heed.

Horses can symbolize perseverance, courage, strength, good health, and wealth. I most certainly do not currently have good health. But perhaps my strength and perseverance can lead to a good health outcome. It’s all I want these days. It is what I hope for both my son and myself. This horse may have crossed my path to give me hope. I must have hope. Oh, beloved horse.