the end of chanukah

the last candles of the festival have gone out in the eastern region of the united states of america. since i am not at all in an observant mood at the moment, i was wondering why i bothered to light the candles and say the blessings each night. i think it is because my father always used to mention the universal human connection at this season up here on the top half of the world, i.e., at the darkest moment of the year we call for the light to return, and encourage it by lighting our own lights. as he would say, so far, it has worked pretty well. i guess i still have at least a glimmer of hope.