From the Editor's keyboard By Lynda Duffy lduffy@williamsnews.com Musings, thoughts and ideas from Lynda Duffy, editor of Williams/Grand Canyon News.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
There's a lot of good still going on
Lynda Duffy
Halloween is Saturday. That is good because it is a day I truly enjoy. I love seeing all the kids — even those too big to be trick or treating along with the moms trick or treating for the baby in the stroller — dressed up in costumes they likely spent much time choosing. My house is safe, and I am generous. This year, I have a great candy selection, along with spider, ghost and skeleton rings ready to pass out. I can't wait.
In my mind, Halloween also signals the beginning of the holidays, a time of celebration and deep reflection. For me, the holidays will be much different this year. The choice was not mine and it's not my fault. Still, this has affected me deeply for several months. I realized yesterday, all of this is not in my hands. I am finally at peace.
So much happened in 2009 that has forever changed me. Personally, I enjoyed many triumphs. I look forward to countless more. However, there is still much I could improve. I look forward to 2010 for this reason. My health is strong this year. All medical checkups went well. I had my first tooth pulled, and am in the process of having that replaced with a permanent implant. Trust me. If your dentist orders a crown, listen. Don't blow off your appointment for four years. The dentist dude is serious. He knows what you need. Listen to your dentist.
I endured the loss of more than five friends that died too soon. This rocked me. As I get older, this happens more and more. Today I will attend the memorial service of one, who has requested that black not be worn during this service. This is a challenge. I know she is watching so I need to behave, and worse, everything nice I own is black. I thank her for this challenge. This is one of many reasons that I will never forget her.
I lost several other friends through attrition. Sadly, we disconnect from others when things change. Jobs change, people change, situations change. Thus, we sadly disconnect. Looking back, many of the friends I had five years ago, are no longer in my life. There is a reason.
On the upside, I made several new friends. New friendships are fun to cultivate. Cultivation on both ends is necessary for a friendship to endure. Remember, that to have a friend, you must first be a friend. I'm going to be the best friend there is to all that will allow.
Yet, 2009 brought me more disconnect and discomfort than I plan to endure in 2010. Therefore, the holidays will be different this year. I guess 2009 is the year to begin new holiday traditions. If I allow myself, I can create new memories and fun for those I still have.
I can't forget that many awesome things happened to me and those I love in 2009. I celebrated 25 years of marriage this year. One-quarter century with my best friend. I can't wait for half of a century and more with this man.
Instead of four, there are now five folks in my family. My daughter met the man of her dreams, and is planning a wedding with my future son-in-law, whom I would have chosen for her had I had the opportunity. He is a gem.
My child that barely made it out of high school, is rockin' along in college with a sky high GPA. Parents, listen to me now, hear me later. It's true. If your child is doing poorly in school, he/she might not be feeling challenged. I cringe when I say this, but that is what happened with my child. Sadly, I did not realize this until last year. For that, I am sorry.
Through Facebook, I am quickly becoming acquainted with a sister-in-law and a brother-in-law living clear across the United States. This is so fun, and I can't wait to meet them in person. I know we have many years of good times ahead.
For the here and now, as I begin to arrange Halloween candy and decorations, I realize that I have so much to be thankful for. When I look at my bad list versus my good list, the good list is much longer. It's time to crumple and toss the bad list into the fire. I must focus on the good, focus on the future. Life is too short to do otherwise.
Lynda Duffy
