I have had a hard time motivating myself to write a blog post 

when so much more important happenings deserve our collective attention.  

I feel for all the fellow New Yorkers still left homeless by hurricane Sandy 

while they await desperately needed help.  

I feel for those who just wanted to escape into a movie, 

do some holiday shopping or go to school and lost their lives to violence.  

I feel for the parents, siblings, children, friends and other loved ones who will miss those smiles.  

As this year winds to a close I appreciate my life more then ever.  

I give thanks for all that is good in it.  

I am grateful to be able to hug my son at night and ask him about his day.

 To sleep next to a man that loves and cares for me.  

To be alive.  

I look forward to this new year with hope and optimism.

Happy New Year - now go hug somebody