I know it's cliché...but, wow, this year flew by! I am barely accustomed to writing 2009 and here we are ready to welcome 2010. Thinking back over the year, as a community I believe we can safely say our year was relatively peaceful. The town successfully embarked on several projects that will improve infrastructure in the area. Fowler School District continues to show achievements in academics as well as athletics, music, drama, art, business and agriculture. Across the board students are guided and encouraged toward their personal bests. The economy has been tight, but as always our local businesses have persevered and provided residents with the convenience of local goods and services. Thank you! And, we must not forget the care and protection provided by our devoted fire and emergency personnel. Good job Fowler!
On a more personal note, I cannot reflect on 2009 without thinking about the unusual number of funerals I attended; six within and six-month period. Most of those were unexpected deaths, and every loss, expected or not, was heart-wrenching. As I write this I think of several other families who dealt with or are currently dealing with the death of a loved one. No matter the circumstances, the cycle of life harshly proves how precious our time with each other really is. Those who left us in 2009 will be deeply missed, may we take the following lessons learned from their lives and untimely deaths to heart. Lavish the ones in your life with love, now! (You can't love someone too much, and tomorrow may be too late.) Take every opportunity to reach out to the ones around you who may need a word of encouragement, support or simply kindness. It truly has the potential to change a person's life. Last, my favorite, live with grace. Extend others “unmerited favor,” which means we forgive slights and misunderstandings, we stop demanding perfection from everyone, we understand others make mistakes. We react with kindness and patience, even in the face of rudeness or incompetence. We focus on the good. Beyond that, we defend the underdog and stand up for what is right.
Never underestimate the potential impact your life has on those around you. Story after story was told of small kindnesses that were probably minor to the giver, yet deeply meaningful to the receiver.
There is much frustration, anger and hatefulness in the world, but I believe by changing ourselves and how we treat others, we have the potential to remedy that. Can we achieve world peace? Maybe someday. Can we create a kinder, more peaceful and just community? Definitely!
Happy New Year!
Elaine White
