Friday
New Year’s Eve.
The last day of 2004.

This has been an interesting year. There have been highlights and low points, but on the whole, I will say that it has been “good.”

Random Access
It’s method on the edge of madness
It’s a balance on the edge of a knife
It’s a smile on the edge of sadness
It’s a dance on the edge of life

and I were riding around this afternoon and heard that New Year’s celebrations were being canceled in various parts of southeastern Asia, near areas where last week’s tsunamis struck.

My thoughts on the matter: I have viewed New Year’s Eve/Day celebrations as affirmations of life and of having survived another 365/366 days on this planet with six billion other people. I don’t think that the casualties and destruction of the storms should be diminished. On the contrary, I think that the celebrations could serve as an excellent way for people to come together and commemorate those who were lost in the floods.

After I mentioned this, told me the following: A member of his high school class died shortly before graduation. Rather than cancel all events, they used the opportunity to reflect and remember their friend. There was a somber note, but they celebrated the person that he was as well as the class’ accomplishment in matriculating.

It is possible to honor the dead with celebration. There are many cases of it throughout history and from many different cultures. Rather than dwell on the loss, we should try to remember what it was about the people that made them special to us and be thankful that we were able to share even a brief portion of our lives in their company.

So when you celebrate the end of 2004 and the arrival of 2005, be joyous in your celebration but also remember those who are no longer here to share in the festivities.

Coda: 2004
I hope that everyone has a safe and very Happy New Year and wish all the best for you in 2005.

Namaste.