Eyes front...

It's very easy to dwell on things that have been. To worry. Focus on the bad things that have happened. Allow them to consume us.
Last year was a very strange year for me. A lot happened to friends of mine, a lot happened to the parish I work in. My whole life was altered! Here I am going to speak of the things that have happened. This is the last time they shall be mentioned here as I embark on a new year at work.

Move to San Francisco (April 8th 2010) - I hopped on a plane leaving my very emotional Mother in the care of my Father on the 3 hour trip home from the Airport. It was a very strange day for me. I was nervous, I was upset to be leaving my wonderful family and friends behind, and I was apprehensive about what I may find in the US of A! I needn't have worried!
San Bruno Explosion (September 9th 2010) - This tragic accident claimed the lives of a Mother and Daughter (Jacki and Janessa) of our Parish. It touched the lives of countless people. The line of cars from front to back in the procession to the graveyard last 25 minutes.
Our parish and school was united in grief. I have never seen anything like it. It instilled in me a renewal of my Faith as I saw a community grieve together. This is what and why we believe. To help us through hard times.
Leukemia Diagnosis - A good friend of mine was diagnosed with Leukemia. This was a few days after the above and it tipped me over the edge. When I was telling my boss why I wouldn't be at work on the Sunday I couldn't SAY why. I had to write it down. I haven't cried like that in years. Sam is an inspirational person. She greeted this with determination and often a smile. I felt useless. In fact it was her who helped ME. Isn't that backwards?!
Another 8th Grade tragedy - Another tragedy befalls the 8th Grade of our School. One of their number lost his Father unexpectedly. The students struggle to understand why in 1 year they have lost a class-mate, and 2 parents. I honestly have no idea what to say to them at this point. But I am encouraged to see the strength they lend each other and the bond they share, support from within.

I could go on for a while with this but that's not what this blog is about. MUCH more happened to me, my friends, and people I work with last year. It was a hard year.
So far I have spoken of the inspiration I have felt due to these events. I was inspired to write this particular blog by a very good friend of mine who is entering this year with his chin-up and a positive attitude towards what is to come, forgetting what has happened in the past.

So, to the title of this entry: Eyes front... Father Paul Newman (my old boss and one of my closest friends) once said to a group of year 9 pupils in Reconciliation: "Now you are forgiven bear this in mind; God put your eyes in the front of your head, not the back. So look to the future and don't dwell on what has been."
What I say is: Raise a Glass to what Life throws...


Here's to 2011! Enjoy, and good luck!