Tonight at midnight, you will find me welcoming the new year with open and gracious arms.

I will not be sad to see 2009 make way to 2010.  It has been a very hard year, full from beginning to end of unspeakable tragedy, loss, heartache and grief in so many people who have shared a small part of our lives.  So many loved ones gone far too soon.

I suppose everyone has runs of bad luck, point of time where it seems nothing can go right and every phonecall yields a new chapter of sadness.

Of course there are many good things that have happened.  Kevin's fantastic new job, the conception of our much hoped for second child and watching Ellis grow into the funny, creative, wonderful boy he is.  I also consider this bloggy space a wonderful enrichment of my life, so thank you for being a part of it.

And while I believe with my whole heart Gibran's wise words about sorrow making a space for joy to fill, the sorrow is still very empty and sore around the edges. 

And so, my plan for tonight or upon waking in the dark early hours of 2010 is to light a candle for those babies, children and parents who didn't make it to see the new year and those loved ones they let behind. To fill the beginning of 2010 with light and welcome the joy into our lives.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year.