The Last Day Of The Year

Today is the last day of the year, as most know. A lot has happened in the world over the last year.  We have lost a few icons that most of us have grown up on as kids. We waited to see if the world would come to an end and sadly after watching some of the stuff happening in the world some of us thought that maybe it should end. The point is that we survived it and soon we will be tackling a new year with new issues as well as coping with the old ones that are bound to carry over.

For me it is a time to reflect on all I have accomplished as well as saying a pray for those I have lost in my life. The one thing that had the biggest positive impact on me was going back to school. Since going back to school I have felt as if I am getting a bit closer to my goals I have set for myself. I have also met some great people along the way and have established more of a sense of purpose in the process.

I have also have lost some family and friends along the way this year. I l know it is never easy when you lost a loved one but there were four deaths that really threw me for a loop and I am still having a hard time wondering why it had to happen.

The one that blew my mind the most I think was my father. We never had a strong relationship. Due to my behavior in my younger years, we had not seen each other since I was seventeen years old. My last memory of my father was not a good one and sadly, there is not a way to correct that now that he has passed on from this Earth. The only comfort I have is a few memories from when I was young and the fact that when he passed on he was surrounded by those who meant the most to him.

The silver lining is that I was able to reconnect with other members of my father's side of the family. It was awesome to see cousins and siblings I had not seen since I was a teenager and to visit the place that had an impact on who I am as a person. It was also great to meet those relatives I hadn't met in my lifetime.

The other two deaths of family members were of two great women I either only met a couple of times in my life or sadly never met at all. I am glad I got a chance to learn more about them through other relatives as they shared memories of two beautifully brave women who will be missed by all. If I ever am lucky enough to be half as strong as these women were then I will be blessed in life.

Another death that affected me greatly was of a good friend, Delmar Singleton. I met Delmar ten years ago when I started working at a bar called A.P.'s Hidden Hideaway. He was the director of ABATE of District 7 in Macon, GA. (A group that speak out on the behalf of biker's rights). Over the years, I watched as Delmar gave of himself to those who were in need. He was a friend to everyone and always had time to listen when someone came to him with a problem in life. On the evening of November 17, 2012 Delmar was struck down by a careless driver while he was on his motorcycle in Warner Robins, GA. We all put him to rest the following weekend.

What has all of this taught me over the last year? Be the best person you can be in life. Do your best every day to be a blessing to those you might meet in life. Finally yet importantly, never give up on trying making peace and reconnecting with those you love in life. If we all carry this into 2013, I am sure it will be a wonderful year for everyone.

Have a safe and happy New Year. I will resume posting on January 07, 2013.