“When I’m stuck with a day that’s gray and lonely, I just stick out my chin and grin and say. Oh, the sun will come out tomorrow, so you gotta hang on til tomorrow, come what may. Tomorrow, you’re only a day away.”
When I started writing these notes, I initially wanted to focus on marginalized children in broken homes or those growing up in state childcare systems or abusive and neglectful foster homes. My thoughts shifted to the residents of Hooverville, displaced by the Great Depression under the leadership of President Herbert Hoover. Many hard-working families lost their homes and employment without any support or assistance.
I reflected about a self-made billionaire, who finally realized love in his heart. He had possessed all the gains this world could offer, but he soon realized the emptiness within his soul and that he was nothing without the greatest, love.
I also wanted to write about the unexplainable power of love through adoption and how it holds no boundaries, how it nurtures families, how it spreads love beyond immediate family bonds, how it transcends bloodlines, how it inspires, and how it builds bridges of healing and forgiveness.
But then there is this little girl, Annie! She is gifted with unshakeable faith, a positive attitude, determination, and wisdom. She is a leader and an advocate for her friends. Despite growing up in a broken system that is supposed to protect marginalized children like her and denied proper nutrition, education, exercise, bedding, toys or even a coat, Annie makes the best of her circumstances.
One day, she decided to step out on that faith. She took a chance that eventually changed her life. And because of that faith and determination, her future is transformed and she is blessed with a father and all she needs and wants for the rest of her life. Even the lives of her friends are changed for good.
I settled on Annie’s story because I wanted to encourage someone experiencing this beautiful production. I want people to leave feeling hopeful, lifted and loved. There are so many people going through unmentionable challenges and unbearable circumstances. So many are hurting in their hearts and souls. Our world is filled with wars, natural disasters, poverty, racism, injustices,
economic disparities and misuse of political power. And we are all left wondering when will it ever end?
Many things about tomorrow we may never understand. For some, it is filled with uncertainty and anxiety. But I’d like to encourage you to think like Annie and live like her, displaying that same unshakeable faith and determination and know that when we stick out our chin, we can grin and say, the sun will come out tomorrow. It’s only a day away!
April Norwood-Barnes
Director
For Mrs. Mary Rose Hunt
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