Thinking and looking back and forward

2011 was a learning year. I really learned about Facebook and used it to widen my scope on politics, on prison reform, on suffering, joy and a million other points of new interest. I have learned that all people are not as they appear and some take a while to show their true colors. I have found some amazing new charities to support and some individuals who are struggling and could use a leg up. I have again confirmed that my life is blessed. I have my health, I have my family (and we all get along) and I have my grand kids and seeing my grown sons in some amazing light and watching them thrive and do their absolute best. I am amazed at how well they parent and how well they treat those around them and how many wonderful friends they have and of course being loving husbands to terrific wives and strong women. I appreciate my Mom and her struggles being totally dependent on her loving caregivers and my sister and me. I have terrific neighbors and a street where everyone knows your name and truly is a community within a large usually distant city. I have amazing friends that are a comfort to me just by being who they are with all their wonderfulness and their personalities and their loving compassion for life. Through my connection with The Next Family, as their marketing director, I have met so many amazing writers with different lifestyles and still they show me everyday that a family is a family no matter how it is built. I have welcomed new friend and new babies into my life from people that I have never met in person but feel I know through their words and deeds. My most proud moment is having both my mentees finish parole without so much as a glitch. The program that put us together has long since ended but I have two wonderful women in my life who fill me with the best feelings of joy as they have struggled and succeeded in getting their lives to be productive and fulfilling to everyone who meets them. They have lead me on a journey that has truly changed my life for the better and has helped inspire my interest in supporting those that are fighting every day to release women wrongfully convicted and for those in prison to be treated with dignity. I have seen my donations to all charities reward good people doing awfully hard work and never giving up. I have stood by friends in sorrow, grief and still managed to come out the other side with strength and determination. As I look back I can see where I can make a better difference in 2012 by choosing who to spend my time with and my money on. I have learned to share because I can afford it and because giving back for my blessed life is what means the most to me. As this year draws to a close I will continue to contribute to a life with compassion, global awareness, deep friendships and most of all charity and giving that sustain me and make me a better person. To those who have helped me in my journey a hardy thank you and continued blessings to you and your families.