Kasey with a K: Another Auld Lang Syne...

2009 was a year to be reckoned with. This should come as no surprise though. As Ogden Nash once wisely inquired, "Every New Year is the direct descendant, isn't it, of a long line of proven criminals?"

For many of us, the previous year may have seemed mostly to be just that. An ever-present dark angel with a wicked sense of humor and a bottomless bag of tricks. Always there listening to our thoughts as they would ask "Could it get any worse?" There would be the angel, with his cruel laugh and pointed finger, to show mercilessly just how much worse it can get.

But for all the mirth that dark angel enjoyed throughout the year, or throughout the years rather, there have been a great many more angels of light to silence his cackle and leave him sulking in a corner.

Angels of light in the form of family, longtime friends, an abundance of new friends, and the consistent faith, support, and generosity of them all. Angels of light allowing us to laugh, allowing us to dance, allowing us to grow, to learn, to love, and to hope. Angels of light allowing us to take pride in our accomplishments and pride in who we are.

Angels of light who will not allow us to give up.

So as we approach the dawn of the New Year, with both light angels and the dark in tow, let us march bravely and merrily into the new day. Even if 2010 should prove to be yet another in a long line of proven criminals, we shall face it armed with equal amounts of humor, determination, logic, and idealism.

Let us go forth fearlessly and unabashedly holding to the hope that the future exclusively holds. Always keeping with us the memories and the lessons we've learned, but never looking back with regret for a single moment of life.

"For last year's words belong to last year's language, and next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning."
- T.S. Eliot

With all the love and appreciation in the world, I wish a Happy New Year to you all!

Cheers and have another!