I am writing this on the eve of a day that changed us all. On March 13, 2020, we picked up our children from a school that they would never enter again and locked down. Our futures were uncertain. More uncertain than we knew.

But, we live in Rhode Island. The state motto is "Hope". A motto that traces its roots back to Rhode Island's founder, Roger Williams. We live in a place where Hope and its symbols are all around us. If the symbol and motto are not present, sometimes a creative soul makes it so. Hope endures. Hope lasts. Hope uplifts. Hope sees us through. Hope is what anchors our soul.

When there is nothing else, when all is uncertain as this year has been, we have had Hope. We are Rhode Islanders. Our desire is to share that Hope beyond our borders. It's our gift for you.

(See larger versions of the photos by selecting the title links)

Hope Of Rhode Island

Hope Of Rhode IslandRhode Island's state symbol and motto sculpted into a walkway medallion in Newport, Rhode Island

Rhode Island's state symbol and motto sculpted into a walkway medallion in Newport, Rhode Island

A Window Of Hope

A Window Of HopeAn elegant rendering of Rhode Island's state motto of "Hope" in stained glass. At Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Providence, Rhode Island.

An elegant rendering of Rhode Island's state motto of "Hope" in stained glass. At Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Providence, Rhode Island.

Hope In The Storm

Hope In The StormRhode Island's symbol of Hope below the Point Judith Fisherman's Memorial with Point Judith Lighthouse in view. Light shows through on distant Rhode Island Sound as the remnants of a storm are overhead.

Rhode Island's symbol of Hope below the Point Judith Fisherman's Memorial with Point Judith Lighthouse in view. Light shows through on distant Rhode Island Sound as the remnants of a storm are overhead.

Hope's Anchor In Stone

Hope's Anchor In StoneIn Narragansett, Rhode Island on the side of the former lifesaving station and current restaurant, an anchor (a symbol of Hope) resiliently stands for all to see.

In Narragansett, Rhode Island on the side of the former lifesaving station and current restaurant, an anchor (a symbol of Hope) resiliently stands for all to see.

© Keith R Wahl, Made From RI/Made From RI Gallery, 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Keith R Wahl and Made From RI/Made From RI Gallery with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.