2008.

[sechan19]

For the first time that I can remember, the old year passed unlauded and the new one arrived uncelebrated. Though I have never see a year pass away with such relief before now, the traditional counting down of the clock has no appeal for me at present. In so many ways, time - always an ally in the past - has become an antagonist, moving with a kind of brutal neutrality toward a future I may not want to face.

Nevertheless, I remain hopeful that 2008 will be better; that things can still improve; that time may yet prove itself the ally of days gone. And I wish for you all, my dear friends and family, the very best of what the new year has to offer - blessings, lessons, beauty, poignancy, growth.