I just read what I wrote at the end of 2015 and I could easily change the year and it would be pretty dead on for 2016. Sadly, it doesn't appear that we had approved much as a nation in terms of lives that matter, civility in politics and truth in posting.
2016 seemed to be nothing but death. So many famous people that did marvelous things. So many not so famous people that did even more marvelous things. And one particular man that was neither famous or did marvelous things. At least not marvelous to most, but the most marvelous to a few.
When a public figure like David Bowie, John Glenn, Carrie Fisher or Debbie Reynolds dies, as a nation, we mourn. I think we mourn for what these people represented and the memories we have attached to them. David Bowie was to most, an incredibly gifted singer and songwriter but I associate him most with his role as Jareth in Labyrinth. A Jim Henson movie that was introduced to me by my husband and one that we shared with our kinder. We are still mesmerized by the Goblin King, we still quote the movie and some of us take a trip to Atlanta to see the movie memorabilia. Though I was not a Star Wars fan, I completely understand how millions feel at Carrie Fisher's passing. They have lost their princess. One of the first really kick ass women that didn't need to be rescued. Carrie Fisher's personal life was shared by her without excuses or embarrassment. She helped a lot of people who had their own struggles with mental illness. And Debbie Reynolds will forever be the woman that held her own brilliantly with the brilliant Donald O"Conner and Gene Kelly. My dad introduced me to these three with Singing in the Rain.
I did not know any of these people personally, but they helped shape some of me. that is why I mourn them. I think that is why we mourn them as a community, they touched us as we went to the concerts, movies and to outerspace.
What this nation endured more than the lost of the famous was the loss of the heroes. Far too many police officers died in the line of duty, particularly through ambush style murders and full on attacks on departments. That should scare the hell out of everyone. Our metro lost five officers, one in an accident, two by a drunk driver and two in a ambush murder. It scares the hell out of me. But in all that tragedy, our cities and national agencies have seen that we do back the blue. We do understand the immense battle they are up against. Now it is time we show that support through electing officials that will make sure that cities and states have the funds to support our schools and support mental health treatment. We need to be vocal about responsible immigration reform that does not send every illegal back which would drain our coffers and exhaust our law enforcement.
This family endured the loss of a dad and grandpa. I could (and have) spend paragraphs describing this man. He was funny and talented and loved us fiercely. He has left a fine legacy.
It was the grief that marked this year for me. My dad died in July, but the grief began long before that. It was ugly and I allowed it to fester within me making me ugly and horrid and unhappy and unhealthy. I have already written about the bow of the boat and that is where it all unfestered. Not long after that, I came to the realization that I was not broken. Combine that with a revelation at work and a ten week fitness program, I leave 2016 in healthy form.
2016 was not all bad. It could not have been with new babies coming in to this world and souls going home. Most joyfully, this year brought Brett into our family a little more officially as he asked Hayley to marry him. It could not have been completely void of love and friendship and happy, I have too many smiles in my heart for that to be true.
I do look forward to the new year. A new day, week, month and year all at once! I don't know that I truly have a resolution, I just want to keep doing what I am doing. I love me, want me to be healthy, happy and always moving forward with a heart full. I will continue to improve my relationship with those that want one with me, primarily the Lord. I will continue to do right by the earth, my pocketbook and those around me. I will continue to be the quiet warrior that I try to be. I will look to the hopeful, the truth seekers, the kind.
Happy New Year to us all!
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