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As a woman who has lived through many passages and learned through my larger than life experiences (positive and negative), I’ve discovered how to take a big empowering bite out of life.

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How I Found my Symbol of Hope in Magic and Fairies

symbol of hope for Honey good image of her in a metal chair with outspread butterfly wings behind her.

What is your symbol of hope?

I have always loved fairies, the small imaginary beings in the form of a woman with magical powers and as a symbol of hope. In human form, I know of one fairy… my mother. She guarded and protected me and taught me my values. Her personality, her mindset, is etched within me for eternity. I’ll never forget that at age 96, I feared the end may be near. She had just been released from the hospital just a few days prior with pneumonia. Little did I know I would be blessed with another five years with her.

How Faries Became My Symbol of Hope

The fairy I gave my mother which to me is a symbol of hope, hung on her television cabinet.

That night we talked. She pointed to a small white fairy who held a sign that read: “Mothers are like angels on earth!” I remember the day, years ago, when I gave it to her. She hung it on a hinge on her television cabinet where it fluttered suspended in space for years. She told me it was her favorite gift from me.

“It is interesting the effect that fairies have on me. I am not going to question why. My answer is…just because.” — Honey Good

During the course of our conversation that night I told my mother I was leaving for our home in California within the next few days. I told her I would travel back to Chicago monthly, to visit.

As I said each year, I told her, “Mom, you have to wait for me.”

In the past she had always responded, “I will wait.” On this particular night she said, “I will try but cannot promise.”

My heart sank as tears welled up in my eyes and I said again, “Mom, you have to wait for me.”

Her eyes caught sight of the little white fairy and she said, “Hopefully the power of my magical fairy and the red string you tied around my wrist will guard and protect me.” She smiled. Her smile gave me strength.

But we both knew.

She then changed the subject and inquired about my day.

So, I told her the story of how I connected with two women who were strangers because of my love of fairies.

Fairies at the Hospital – A Symbol of Hope

Here are the stories I shared with my mom… One began when my husband had a doctor’s appointment.

A woman sat at the information desk. “I love the fairy you are wearing on your lapel. She is beautiful,” I told her. The fairy was made of silver and appeared to fly.

“I wear it every day and you are the first person to ever make a comment. Thank you.” She replied, clearly taken aback. I smiled, said goodbye and we walked away to the elevator bank.

After the doctor examined my husband, he wanted him to take a test. “You will have to take it in California because I am sure you will not get an appointment in the next three days,” He told him. I did not like what I heard so when we left I told my husband I was going to try and arrange for him to take the test. You know my saying, darlings: If you do not try, you will never know.

You Never Know Where You’ll Make a Magical Connection

My red string

As I went to make the appointment, there were several cubicles with women sitting behind desks. I sat down at one. The young woman behind that particular desk was from India and I would guess in her 40s. She had a beautiful engaging smile and was wearing a fairy. I couldn’t believe it and said, “I love your fairy. You are the second woman today that I have seen wearing a fairy.”

“I have worn this fairy everyday for four years because I had surgery three times for brain cancer,” she told me.

“I understand how you feel,” I said. “I had two surgeries for lung cancer and surgery for a melanoma.”

With that our hands reached for one another across her desk and, with our hands entwined and tears running down our cheeks, she said, “Thank you so much for understanding.”

Hope and Magic at Work in the World

image of a window overlooking a foggy city with a fairy hung in the window, 2 decorative pillows and 3 succulents on the ledge.

My mother’s fairy now hangs in my office window, where I look at it daily and feel my mother’s love surround me.

Next, we talked about her for a while; my husband got an appointment and then I showed her my red string and said, “I wear my red Kabbalah string to guard and protect me. May I come back and tie a red string around your wrist to guard and protect you?”

“You would do that for me? Oh, yes, I would be ever so grateful,” she replied with a huge smile.

“I would be happy to,” I said, smiling back.

We both got up from our chairs, reached over her desk and hugged one another and said our goodbyes, until my return.

As I walked away I felt empowered and grateful for the capacity to be able to connect and feel for others; even a complete stranger. Darlings, the experience with this young woman was one of my most enriching experiences.

Afterwards, I told this story to my mother and she told me there were not enough words in the dictionary to describe how much she loved me. As I left for California a few days later, I believed my mother would be safe —a gift from my fairies! And she was. She lived 101 years.

Today the white fairy I gave my mother hangs in my office next to my desk in the window. Each time I walk into the room there she is in full view reminding me of my love for my mother.  I know just who I will give her to one day, passing on the tradition and her magic.

Magical Symbols That Bring Me Hope

gifts with love
I have meaningful trinkets all over my house, I like to be able to look around and catch on something special to me. Here are some things that I keep on a special shelf.

Jami, my dearest daughter-in-law, gifted me my blue wand, it whispers secrets of resilience and strength. The other, a playful swirl of colors, came from my Ultimate Concierge, a reminder to embrace the magic in everyday moments.

Across the shelf, a seashell shimmers, nestled in a delicate glass box , a gift from my favorite aunt. The seashell was a gift from a lady in blue shell collector I met on the beach on an early morning walk with my ultimate concierge. It reminds of the salty whispers of the Sea and the lady in blue.

I asked one of my grandsons traveling to Israel to bring me a piece of  the land. He could not have chosen a better gift; the light-brown colored stone. My daughter Jenny’s heart dish that reads, “Kiss, Kiss,” is a reminder of the ties that bind us.

From Hawaii,  my personal puku beads, each one a tiny prayer for good fortune, a gift from a land that taught me the magic of peace. And Sharon, a dear friend from far away LA, gifted me a crystal angel, its wings catch the light and reminds me of  our close tie.

I Believe In Magic!

A sign that reads “Believe in Magic” was gifted to me by Carolyn, who worked at HoneyGood and knew of my love of spirituality and my belief in magic.

Ask Honey Good Do you believe in magic as a symbol of hope

Once, an acquaintance saw this shelf in my condo-in-the-sky and asked me about it. As I told her of each trinket and there are so many more a connection bloomed between us. Casual friendship blossomed into something deeper, born of shared experiences and cherished treasures. Funny how things happen, darlings! It’s serendipity, a sprinkle of magic in the ordinary, waiting to be discovered by those who hold magic in their hearts as a symbol of hope.

So, open your eyes to the magic that surrounds you, darlings, be it from fairies or other means that are a symbol of hope. Gather your own collection of meaningful trinkets, each one a talisman of love. In their stories, you might just find the key to connections and joy, a world where serendipity dances on sunbeams and magic takes flight on butterfly wings.

Remember, darlings, magic isn’t just for fairy tales. It’s a part of our everyday lives, waiting to be embraced by those who dare to believe. So, believe in the magic, hold onto your treasures, and watch your life bloom into a story worthy of being placed on your own enchanting shelf.

It is interesting the effect that fairies have on me. I am not going to question why. My answer is…just because.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN FAIRIES OR MAGIC? WHAT’S ONE THING YOU HOLD DEAR AS A SYMBOL OF HOPE? PLEASE TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS!

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January 14, 2024

Passages After 50, Relationships, Self Care

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  1. Sharon says:

    Honey, I loved your fairy story. I too have always thought fairies are special. Although I don’t know anyone who wears one, I hope that someday someone bestows a Kabbalah bracelet on me as well.
    Thank you for your inspiration, your thoughtfulness, your honesty and your dedication to, not only women of a certain age, but all women.

  2. Dawn says:

    This touched my heart Thank you so much Honey. Have a blessed day

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      The day was a wonderful day for me. I am going back tomorrow to tie the red string around her wrist. I am glad you enjoyed my story. Warmly, Honey

  3. Ginny Baker says:

    Thanks Honey for sharing your story about fairies. I love your blog and I look forward to reading it every day.
    Your story was so heartwarming and I felt the love you have for your mother and husband. I am really tired tonight … because I worked from 3 P.M. to 10 P.M. but I cannot go to sleep until I write you a short note.

    My dearest friend Ollie who was in his 80’s would often tell me
    everything will be o.k.
    We talked about everything in life. My husband was a close friend to Ollie as well.
    Our darling Ollie passed away peacefully and well I will never forget his words, Evertything will be o.k.
    I hope you can find comfort with those words, because it is true.
    I feel your sadness leaving your mom today to go to Cailfornia. I hope your husband is o.k.
    Lots of Love and Hugs,
    Ginny Baker
    .

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      Thank you for taking your time when you are so tired to email me your message. Ollie is right, everything will be OK. I do find comfort in his words and your caring. Have a nice day. Warmly, Honey

  4. Diana says:

    I loved this story.

  5. Dianne says:

    God bless you and your mother. I understand how tough it is to leave ones mother at this time.

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      You know. It is very difficult. Thank you for your kind words. I am very appreciative. Warmly, Honey

  6. Dianne says:

    I look forward every day to reading your blog, but, never felt compelled to respond until today. I loved the story of the fairies and your mom. It actually brought tears to my eyes. I really connected to this touching story. I also love fairies, but, I lost my mom 14 years ago at the age of 89. You are blessed to still have her in your life.

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      Hi Diane, thank you for writing to me. I am most appreciative. I am blessed to have my mother and very grateful. Please continue our back and forth correspondence when the mood strikes you. I love reading and responding. Warmly Honey

  7. Dot says:

    Heart warming story which now makes my Swarovski fairy hanging from the rear view mirror in my car all the more meaningful. Thank you!

  8. Betty sitbon says:

    Dear Honey, we have our connections through fairies…I still have our fairy bracelets charm …remember? I send loving thoughts to your very beautiful mom..She is an earth angel.I know how difficult it must have been to say goodbye this time… your writing is so inspiring.love Betty

  9. Cindy Lou says:

    Honey your story affected me deeply; what an amazing experience to connect like that with a complete stranger! Surely the angels were watching over both of you.
    My heart also breaks for you, facing the reality of losing your mother. I’m sure you know how fortunate you are to have had her with you for such a long time, but it is never long enough is it? I lost my precious mother 15 years ago at the age of 84, and never a day goes by that I don’t think of her and long to be with her again, even if for only a short time.

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      There is nothing like our mothers. We carry their values in our heads; therefore they are never really gone. Thank you for writing to me. Thank you for your kind words. Warmly, Honey

  10. Lela Freigo Gahwiler KHS 1960 says:

    Your story of Fairies and you Mom warmed my heart. My Mom is also 96 and having many medical issues. She tells me she prays to die in her sleep. I tell her her work here on earth must not be over yet…more family events are upcoming. There will be a great grandson’s wedding in March 2018 and the birth of another great-great grandchild later that same month. Each event wants her presence. But, I , too, fear, it may not be.

    I pray your Mom and your Orchid give you more happy months or years.

  11. Eleanor Ford says:

    I LOVE this article!,,

  12. Susan Greefield says:

    Dear Honey, this is your best story. So much meaning expressed in a few words. Travel safely and .take care of yourself and Shelly.

  13. Karen Brookshire-Jackson says:

    I am praying for you and your mom as you spend time away for one another. A saving grace that you have is that you have been intentional with voicing your love for your mother and she knows how much she means to you. I lost my mother quite suddenly at the age of 32 and she 56, while on a trip together with my not-quite two year old daughter along. It was heartbreaking, but I had no regrets. My mother knew how much she was loved by me and what she meant to me. Twenty seven years later, she continues to be the best part of my heart. “God is good ALL the time and all the time Ike God IS good!”

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      I am glad you have no regrets. I loved that you used the word intentional. It is so strong and meaningful. I will use it when I write. I am sorry you lost your mom but glad you have no regrets. You were a good daughter. Warmly, Honey

  14. Dobby says:

    Beautiful Post…You are such a determined woman. You are also one that seems to make progress & get things done with compassion & thoughtfulness. I love that you approach and reach out to people that you don’t know. I feel assured that Your Mother will wait for You!!!

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      I am determined. You are right. And compassionate because both feel good and both feel right. Thank you for your good wishes about my mom. I am most appreciative. Warmly, Honey

  15. Susan says:

    Dear Honey,
    Oh my, this is so beautiful and real. I nearly cried with grief for my own mother who has passed. Your story also reminds me how precious my husband of 47 years is. I don’t have a fairy to wear but I believe I have always carried her in my heart. Thank you for reminding me she is still there.
    Susan

  16. SoCalAllison says:

    Fairies are tiny angels who lighten our hearts & stir our souls. We only glimpse them briefly as they fly in & out of the corners of our field of vision. Dashes of light, filled with the exuberance of life & the essence of courage & the brightness of love.

    Value your glimpses because they lead to an understanding that all things are connected in this universe of being and life goes on in many, many ways … we remain connected before we are, as we are, and when we leave on new adventures for our souls … as bright little lights dancing our way thru the cosmos together forever in love & memory from beginning to end to beyond imagining…

    These are the blessings of tiny fairy angels who wander thru time & space to please, to treasure, to connect us with love. Forever.

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      What a heartfelt message. Thank you, Allison. I value my love of fairies just as you do. We are lucky. Warmly, Honey

    • Linda Lathrop says:

      Your magical words and memorable stories are such a wonderful reminder to catch glimmers of .hope. I’m reminded to notice my meaningful trinkets and the energy they hold. I need to remember and share the stories about each of them. Thank you and be blessed.

      • Susan Good says:

        Thank you Linda! My visual mementos and their stories bring me such happiness. I know you will enjoy yours as much as I do. Happy 2024. Warmly, Honey

  17. Rachel Reich says:

    Dear Honey,
    I read every one of your articles and they have taught me lessons, consoled me and made me think deeper thoughts. Yet I have never commented before. THIS one took me to a place I have been avoiding yet tormented by.
    My 88 year old mother has decided to return home to Chicago after 1o years in Texas and repeated efforts to bring her back. ” I am not ready” has been her mantra. That has now changed to “it’s time and I’m ready”. I too am saying “wait for me”.
    Thank you Honey for reaching into my thoughts and my heart with this story. I will keep your mom in my prayers.
    Rachel

  18. patricia nisenholz says:

    “God could not be everywhere, and therefore he /she made Mothers.” ~ Jewish Proverb ~ Thank
    YOU for another inspiring read.

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