The approaching new year is met by one and all with the common hopeful expectation that it is sure to be better. January 2023 will arrive right on time, with everyone’s individual resolutions started and ready to bring about positive change. Traditionally it is a new beginning, a fresh start in a number of ways. The biggest change can be seen in our general perception of what changes it might bring, even speaking the word resolution indicates a willingness to begin again.
The present year is kicked out ceremoniously at midnight, with parties and festivities guaranteed to elevate everyone’s spirit. Even with the latest bad news each day, the shine doesn’t fade for at least a week or two. The making of resolutions guarantees that some sort of action toward change is started. The annual televised ball drop on New Year’s Eve in New York City embodies the excitement, and joy that comes with everyone looking at the coming year in a completely new way.
While sharing the events of each other’s lives on social media has become the norm, it is obvious that during difficult times our need to gain solace from friends and family continues. I received a video from an old friend whose son is suddenly in the last stages of his life in an ICU. Her brother had sent it to her to share with his nephew in the hospital as close family and friends sit vigil by his bedside. Playing it this morning made me laugh, as his four-year-old face looked straight into the camera as he belted out that old family favorite, “Take Me Out To The Ballgame.”
Pure joy. Looking at the postings from all the folks who remember a different time in this boy’s life, it had triggered an avalanche of memories offered to his family as a parting gift. Everyone had found a way to help, to be able to not only remember him when he was gone, but to reach out and tell him how much they loved him right now. It IS all in how we look at the world around us while we are able.
By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times
