So tonight we say good-bye to 2014 and as we look back while the details are different the landscape is the same as usual. There were some big highs and several lows. Personally I clicked off a few more of my bucket list items. Dianne and I found ways to find ways to create new experiences together as a couple. I saw both coasts this year and spent time with old friends I don't see often enough.
This year saw some great moments. Not a few friends were able to legally marry, a right that was blocked by law for them until this year. I saw the world come together to turn a stupid challenge into a windfall for those combating the horrible syndrome of ALS. Despite the horrible catalyst of a brutal video of an NFL player punching his fiance out the country is having a serious conversation about domestic violence. Oh and the NFL moved into new territory by drafting an openly gay player.
We also saw low points. The rise of ISIS, a terrible summer for Israel kicked off by the murder of a three teen-agers, riots in towns after the death of young black men at the hands of police and of course both the tragedy of Ebola and the irrational fear around it.
As all years we had a little of everything. What is important is that we try to make the next better by fixing what we can, moving on from what we can't, and acknowledging what we have. As we say good-bye I will take note of the fact that I have a wonderful family, a smart and growing young man for a son and wonderful wife who not only loves me but gets me. I have friends who span the globe both in location and ideology. I have a great job, wonderful if changing colleagues, and a stronger support of fellow educators than ever before. In the new year I turn 50 as does Dianne and Noah heads off to college. It will be a year of transitions. So raising a glass to 2015. May it bring all the joys you want and none of the travails you don't need. May you go from strength to strength.
This year saw some great moments. Not a few friends were able to legally marry, a right that was blocked by law for them until this year. I saw the world come together to turn a stupid challenge into a windfall for those combating the horrible syndrome of ALS. Despite the horrible catalyst of a brutal video of an NFL player punching his fiance out the country is having a serious conversation about domestic violence. Oh and the NFL moved into new territory by drafting an openly gay player.
We also saw low points. The rise of ISIS, a terrible summer for Israel kicked off by the murder of a three teen-agers, riots in towns after the death of young black men at the hands of police and of course both the tragedy of Ebola and the irrational fear around it.
As all years we had a little of everything. What is important is that we try to make the next better by fixing what we can, moving on from what we can't, and acknowledging what we have. As we say good-bye I will take note of the fact that I have a wonderful family, a smart and growing young man for a son and wonderful wife who not only loves me but gets me. I have friends who span the globe both in location and ideology. I have a great job, wonderful if changing colleagues, and a stronger support of fellow educators than ever before. In the new year I turn 50 as does Dianne and Noah heads off to college. It will be a year of transitions. So raising a glass to 2015. May it bring all the joys you want and none of the travails you don't need. May you go from strength to strength.
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