2012 was a lousy year. For the world, the U.S., and personally, in no particular order.
On the world front, things were equally grim. We suffered:
- A patternless, boring, theme-less, Presidential election;
- The Newtown School massacre (link to thread on retriever's role in helping);
- A snowless winter, followed by, apparently, another snowless and drab winter; and
- I'm sure there's more.
Also there was Hurricane Sandy, a storm that wasn't exciting, just dreary. The three or four hours of audible winds were not recompense for shivering in cold houses for days, or having to rely on houses of worship for warmth and recharging.
A more dreary, depressing year on the world stage is hard to imagine.
On a personal note, the year started with my mother being scheduled for supposedly minor surgery. She was re-hospitalized within two (2) days of discharge and didn't get out of the combination of the hospital or rehab for five (5) weeks. The after-care, in a well-regarded hospital, verged on barbaric. As it was, the supposedly minor condition for which she was hospitalized is probably terminal.
While I have been blessed with superb health (only some extensive dental work and a nasty colonoscopy for me) my mother's problems didn't end it for health problems in my family. Four our of my children's six grandparents suffered illnesses of varying but severe intensities over the year, three of them involving hospitalization.
My workplace of 26 1/2 years suffered some financial reverses which have impacted me. Luckily my job is safe but four of our firm, or just under 1/3, have already been let go and salaries cut. We're merging in a few days and who knows what the future holds.
Au revoir to 2012. It is not a fond farewell. Another year like it I hope never to have again.
12-25-2012, 10:19 PM
My darling girl who bravely went to Rainbow Bridge 23/02/2010 aged 14 yrs 4 months and is missed every day 
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