Surviving 2011

To say that 2011 was a bad year is an understatement. I wanted to say goodbye and good riddance in one breath but I would be telling a lie if I said that nothing good happened this year. You see, in spite of all the evil intentions, oppressions and injustices sent my way during the last 12 months...especially the loss of my job and the passing of friends and dear ones in October...something good has come out of these experiences. There are  things I am actually thankful for in 2011.  I have learned many important life lessons, came face to face with who I really am and what really counts, simplified my life, realized who my true friends were, strengthened my belief in Divine Providence and most important of all, brought me back my relationship with God.  It is often said that adversity is a great teacher. I looked back at the past and I saw that when adversity comes to me and my family, we have always faced them with faith, trust, confidence and courage.  It will not be any different this time around. And so I am hopeful that 2012 will be a better year. I am grateful to God for another year to live, to love, to serve, to give thanks, to grow in faith, to heal hurts, to create new memories, to be with family and loved ones, and to be a stronger and better person.

Lucy: Why do you think we're put here on earth Charlie Brown?
Charlie Brown: To make others happy.

 Lucy: I'm intrigued by this view you have on the purpose of life, Charlie Brown. You say we're put on this earth to make others happy? ... What are the others put here for?

A Blessed 2012 to one and all!