Thank You, 2010

I know that 2010 was a very difficult year for some of you. Some of my friends had a horrible year, full of divorce or death or almost death or loss of jobs, or several of these things all at once. I do not in any way want to discount their pain. Some years truly suck. But some of my friends had a joyous years of birth and babies and marriage and engagements and health. I want to recognize that as well. That while some people are suffering mightily, others are celebrating and living a life of happiness and joy. And when you’re in the midst of despair, it somehow seems cruel to see the mailman come with mail, to hear the birds singing their songs, the UPS delivery person making their rounds, the many every day insults to your pain, to see and hear the world going on around you. And yet it does. And it must. And indeed, if it didn’t, how much more difficult would the world be? When my mom died in 2008, within two weeks of Ted losing his job, it was sometimes jarring to hear good news. And yet, at the same time, it was a mighty relief to hear and see wonderful things happen, for with only pain and sorrow surrounding you, it would be far too much for anyone to handle. We all need to see some hope in the world.

In our house, we found some hope in 2010. I cannot and will not write the specifics, for they are personal and not my story. But let me say that the year started with a lot of difficulty, an extremely scary and stressful time. But that things continuously, month by month, got better. And in the process, I think we all learned quite a bit about ourselves, about our strengths and ferocities and our abilities to fight for what is important and right to us. And by the end of 2010, I felt confident that we were past the worst of things, and that no matter what else 2011 might bring to us, it will bring us far past the fear we held in our hearts.

And then there are the hopes. Of course we have specific and personal hopes for this year and every year, but in addition, we have hopes for our nation, and for our world. I hope that our country can start to get past the horrible divisiveness that is tearing us apart, politically. I think that if we look closely at our own hopes and dreams, no matter what the sound bites and talking heads might say, we have much in common. We all want a better world for ourselves, for our children, and for our parents and grandchildren, than we have today. Our argument is how to get there. We need to stop calling names and pointing fingers and concentrate on our similarities rather than our differences. I do not mean that we should ignore or give a pass to those who go too far. Quite the opposite. Nor do I mean that we should ignore our differences and ignore our beliefs and ideals. But there has to be a better way to get there than making maps with targets on them or asking for 2nd amendment solutions to our differences. I’m sorry, there just does.

Getting past the desire for a more civil discourse in our national politics, I’m hoping for financial recovery this year. For jobs for those who want and need them, and not such a division between the rich and poor in our country and our world, for I fear that this gap might grow to become a more dangerous issue than it is today. Because really, the gap is ever growing, and I fear, ever more dangerous and divisive.

As a world, I would hope for more caring, no natural disasters, and peace in the countries that seem to be ever engulfed these days. I would hope for an end to overpopulation (which I think is a natural by-product of better health care and an end to hunger). I hope for more equality for all, not just the rich and lucky, but for everyone.

To 2010, thank you for your gifts and your lessons. I will not miss your pains and sorrows. To 2011, welcome, and may you bring peace, prosperity, and happiness for us all.