Morning has Broken: 2012 Holds Many Possibilities

"Morning has broken, like the first morning,
Black bird has spoken, like the first bird.
Praise for the singing, Praise for the morning,
Praise for the springing, fresh from the word.

"Morning has broken is without a doubt, one of the most peaceful songs ever penned. Although it was published years ago, it was Cat Stevens who really put this hymn on the map, and I am forever grateful. It has been a song that has help during painful moments, when despair seemed to be all that was around,and hope seemed bleak. This and Sarah Chang's "Air on G String", where she makes the violin cry, do provide solace for these times. Each of us in our lives, faces loss, and the key to it, is accepting it no matter how horrible it is. While the traditions and songs might be different across the globe, the feeling is the same, especially when it involves a child. Yet, even the loss of a parent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, friend, or anyone who has had significance in our lives, is going to lead to feelings of profound sadness. You never know how much you love someone, until they are gone. That is when you will understand the true depth of love, and while we each have a day, the key is enjoying everyday as a blessing.

2012 is upon us, and as we say goodbye to 2011 in the rear view mirror, it is a time for thinking about what all of us should be doing in the new one. I make the same promise ever year, and that is to stop using a certain word, because it is broken as soon as the alarm clock goes off on Jan 1st. Yet, at the same time, while it is just another day, sometimes it is good to go to a quiet place, and just reflect on what the previous year, and times before it have taught us. I used to scoff at the thought of "stopping by to smell the flowers," but going on a hike, and just enjoying the gifts that have been bestowed to us, make it even more worthwhile even with the various challenges. A quick bike ride through a forested area, or lacing up the boots to take it all in, provides some respite from pain, from stress, and also is just a place to find that little bit of tranquility.

Each of us should do that from time to time. A college professor of mine, whom I still greatly respect, used to say "mind, body, spirit." It is so very true, and I am thankful for his lessons, along with his humorous approach to life. He never said it, but I have a feeling that he had seen a lot in his lifetime. What will 2012 bring? Who knows, but whatever it is, the key is just doing the best that all of us can. Life throws us all kinds of challenges, it is how these are responded to that matter. I'm very excited about this year, as I hope it is going to bring amazing scientific discoveries, possibilities that were never conceivable being a reality, and a lot of fun at the same time. In honor of Tommy, who is missed, and all angels who's families are grieving right now, you are not alone, nor shall you ever be. Each morning begins anew.