Reflections of years past.....

New Years Eve has always been my favourite day of the year.  A time to reflect, a time for family, a time to remind those closest to you, just how much they mean, to thank them for their love, and to commit yourself for the next year to helping each other through famine, or feast. 

As a boy growing up, Hogmanay was a time spent at home, no matter where else the party was. Comfortable in the bosom of your family, at midnight, when the bells sound, and corks fly, doors open, neighbours cram in, people move from house to house with good wishes, and good spirit.

Hogmanay is a day of community, of family and of friendship.  A day of hope, for a prosperous, and successful year, of good health, and happiness.  Sadness too, sometimes. Reflections on words said, friendships lost and hearts broken.  Hogmanay is a great healer, as with sadness, comes forgiveness and new beginnings, new resolutions, determination, purpose.  It's just a day....but a day like no other.

And so for next year, my resolutions are simple....life has changed a lot since 2003.  No longer is it straightforward to have all of the family together.  Children are growing up, wanting their own space, finding themselves, and making their own choices.  Two families to satisfy, two worlds to pull together.  

in 2011.... My resolution is the same as it always has been.  I'm a father, to five wonderful, beautiful kids.  I'm blessed with good fortune, so my commitment is to be there whenever they fall...to enjoy their successes, to encourage their flight along life's path, to support them when that path is rocky,  and to put wind in their sails when the path is clear.  To test them, to push them to succeed, to try all of life's flavours without fear, and to embrace the people around them, to recognise that it is only by embracing the challenges in life that you can live your life well. 

I've my own challenge...Kilimanjaro this year, 2011....just 76 days now until I depart on my own test.  A challenge that truly embraces life,  a challenge that recognises for me, a need to give more back than you take in life. 

Thank you for your support, and I would wish all of my friends, and my family a happy, and peaceful 2011.  I trust you will all find your goal, and have the courage to chase it down.

In 2011 I hope to raise £3500 towards Autism Concern.

Donate at www.justgiving.com/graham-kennedy1