2005: The Year the World Shrank

For many of us, myself included, this year has been personally difficult and painful. Others have disclosed to me many personal changes as well, including loses in the form of death, illness, separation, divorce, and friendship as well.

This year has also been one of much global tragedy, framed by disasters beginning with a horrifying tsunami that swept across South Asia, (at the end of 2004), and ending with a series of deadly hurricanes that destroyed parts of New Orleans, Mississippi and much of the gulf coast, and other damage claimed areas of south Florida. It seems as if these natural disasters started big, and became even larger than life when a devastating earthquake rocked Pakistan and killed almost 100,000 people last month, shrinking our world by even larger proportions. We also saw the sad lost of more than 2,000 American lives from the Iraq war. The disengagement that occurred in Israel resulted in the re-location of many Jews, some of whom still remain without a permanent home to call their own.

The world was not the only shrinkable commodity this year. We saw our money disappear in great proportion as the price of gas hit almost $3.00 per gallon (odd, that it is now closer to $2.00 per gallon, but another subject for blogging), heating prices rising, and food costs souring as well.

In the mist of this shrinking world, we also saw an unsual kind of growth. Individual good will, surfaced, resulting in many Americans opening their homes and pocketbooks to help those in need who in some way suffered from these devastating losses. Others displayed heroism in the face of these disasters, risking their lives to provide relief work, and help those rebuild their homes and communities as well.

On a personal note, I have found much support and strength through the company of others, some of whom I have just met, as circumstances beyond our control threw us together inside a murky pool, where we all swam, and instead of drowning, threw each other life rafts to keep us afloat. Moreover, many who have read this blog have been so supportive, concerned, and loving, that a window with fresh air has opened when it seemed as if all the doors were closing.

It seems important, at least for me, to be mindful, how, in the mist of disaster, all the good deeds, the kind and self-less acts and generosity of others come together to make this word an even bigger and better place.

Thank you for your minds.