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I want to try to explain what light means to me. I sign everything with “LIGHT,” from letters to autographs, and I have done so since 1980.

At least once a month, and probably more like once a week, I am asked what I mean when I use that word.

Over the years, I have learned there is no short answer to that question.

First, let me say that often the reader interprets light as it speaks to him or her, and that is perfectly OK. Actually, I think we all receive the language as it pertains to our own life and how we live it.

However, since a number of people lately have raised the question again, I shall try to tell you what it means to me.

The essence of light is the opposite of dark or darkness, and to me, darkness means unenlightened and/or separated from God.

If we are separated from God, we are not at ease but rather, in dis-ease.

Most of us do not wish disease upon anyone, plus we know the light is a healer.

I sign “LIGHT” as my way of wishing you wellness and health, long-range.

I heard a sermon once about being a reflection of light by the way we live our life — not what we say or preach, but how we quietly live.

If we look into a mirror, what do we see? That is what others see in us.

But we can’t fake this because it is our own reflection, so we want for ourselves and others the light we hope we are reflecting.

When I sign “LIGHT,” I am saying “I pray for you to have light into your heart and healing into your soul.”

When we step away from the light, we are in darkness, and in the dark, it is hard to make good decisions, make long-range goals or even to find our way back to the light or to God.

I know this because at times in my life I have stepped off the lighted path, and boy, did I know it.

This is because I believe we know when there’s a darkness — a coldness — and often, because we are lost, we simply walk further and further into the dark.

But the longer we walk away from the light, the more lost we become. This is synonymous with separation from God, and the further we get away from God, the more lost we become. There is one thing I know for sure: Light is the only way home.

There are my humble wishes for anyone I send my letters to. I am wishing you love, good health, and a life where the light surrounds you, enters you and guides you, and that your own reflection will help bring light-filled warmth and peace to all who know you.

LIGHT, Jean.

Jean Brody is a passionate animal lover and mother. She previously lived in Winchester, but now resides in Littleton, Colorado. Her column has appeared in The Sun for more than 25 years.