2006

After a tumultuous 2005, 2006 was to be a year of recovery and renaissance. New Orleans began the slow process of rebuilding lives and history. London restored their transit system and commuters took to their usual routes. Months of political scandal and Republican control were finally staved by Democrat victory during the Midterm elections. Tiny steps on a long journey still to be made.

2006 brought the execution of a dictator, but not the end of the war. The Iraq war casualty tally hit 3,002 lives. Violence on U.S. soil escalated with school shootings in the unlikeliest of neighborhoods. The sanctity of everyday things was compromised with the e. coli spinach scare, and a foiled London terrorist plot ended our freedom to carry toiletries on planes.

The Sago Mine tragedy and the death of a former President were bookends to the losses seen in 2006. The music world lost the Godfather of Soul, and animal lovers everywhere mourned the Crocodile Hunter.

In my own life, this was the year of frequent flyer miles. Multiple trips to Chicago and a dream vacation to London. It sent a best friend to Iraq and saw him safely home. It was the year I reconnected with a friend I hadn't seen in 20 years, and the year I realized I was now old enough to say statements like that.

I hope that 2007 is the year that finally brings an end to conflicts both global and internal. I look to it as a year of friendship, strengthing of old and forming of new. A year of continuing on the path to healing and rebirth.

May 2007 be a year of peace.