Ah, finally the new year arrived. It slipped in quietly here in Tucson, long after the warm sun drifted behind the mountains, the bright moon followed, and we were left with peacefully blinking stars. Well, it was quiet for a moment—before our neighbors began setting off fireworks.
We stood out in our backyard gazing at the colorful lights with a merry fire crackling, surrounded by friends and family. While we realize we are fortunate to have our health, home, friends, family, and each other—we have never been so thrilled to shut the door on a year such as this last one.
It was a span during which we lost several loved ones; people who enriched our lives in a myriad of ways. While we miss them dearly, their passing has reminded us to treasure each new day and the people in our lives.
As for the year ahead, we’ll let Ralph Waldo Emerson make the toast,
For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends.
Santé! Cheers! Salute! Prosit! Skoal! Sláinte! Salud!
