At this time of year it’s our family tradition to keep this yearly journal.
We save them so we can reflect and remember all things, good and infernal.
So here is this year’s edition. We hope you enjoy this trip down our future memory lane.
May it bring you to laugh, reflect on your year and help ease you of any pain.

Joan keeps working at the high school, at games, ECSU and for the state.
Named to “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” has now been added to her slate.
Dave turned 60 this past summer and we celebrated with a reunion Mass.
We had Folk Group friends from the past join us to play, and it was a blast.
Dave walked as a survivor at this past October’s ACS Relay for Life.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since his cancer diagnostic strife.
(Joan’s sister, Kathy, was diagnosed with cancer, and her friend Barry with leukemia.
Sorry for no rhyme here. There’s nothing poetic about these diseases.)

A junior, John is almost 6 feet tall and has shoulder length blonde hair.
He’ll be 17 in January, is driving now (learning stick shift if we dare).
He still has perfect attendance in high school, never having missed a class or day.
His hobbies include self studying Japanese and learning the Japanese way.
Tom, at a height of 5 foot 10, is now heavier and taller than his mother.
He’s growing fast and we wouldn’t be surprised if he grows taller than his brother.
He’s still into video games, loves to draw and is trying to lose some weight.
A 9th grader now, his voice deepening… he’s maturing at a fast rate.
After a year of calling him “Harvey” Tom’s pet cockatiel has a new name.
When “he” laid a half dozen eggs this summer, “Harriet” she became.

Dave’s Uncle Harvey and Aunt Irene, along with others, passed away this year.
Their suffering is over. May they be at peace now that they’re away from their pain here. After Christmas Nanny had another stroke and had some falls while trying to walk.
It was rough for her for a while, especially when relearning how to talk.
Nanny and Paugh Paugh are both tough and continue to bless us with their smiles.
But, we’ve got to admit, it’s really rough being away from them so many miles.

The Red Sox won the pennant. Does this mean that hell has frozen over?
Bush got re-elected. The next 4 years won’t be a walk in the clover.
Martha Stewart is in prison, and our Governor had to hand in his resignation.
Too many lies, corrupt goings on and receiving gifts with no legal designation.
Two of the more controversial movies of the year we never bothered to go and see.
The previews for The Passion of Christ and Fahrenheit 9/11 were too brutal and scary.

It would take a ream of paper to record everything that has happened this past year.
So we’ll end the poem now with a simple wish for you of good cheer.
Remember to take the time to watch and listen, enjoy your life and to exhale
May you continue to live and learn, and your zest for life never run out or go stale.

Treasure the people and moments of your life!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!