Dear 2002, I write this note to welcome you as my guest. I have been waiting for you. And I know you’ ve been waiting for me. It seemed you would never get here. Through this past year, during the difficult times, during the impossible times, during the unexpected and the tragic and the unbelievable times, I knew you would come. And rescue me. And reenergize me. And bring me good news.

    But I must admit, I was impatient. I could barely wait another minute. For with you, I knew I could begin again. And even at 68, I had the need for a new beginning. It had been a difficult year. A draining year. A frightening year. And at times, a tragic year. And so I eagerly approached the end of it and thought, “It’s coming soon. 2002. Hold on. Don’t give up. Don’t lose faith in its arrival.”

    You had a heavy responsibility when you knocked on my door, but I had no doubt you would come prepared. And I was right. The knapsack you were carrying was filled with the necessary supplies to get me going again. Hope. Determination. Grit. Awareness. Vigilance. Love. You came with more than enough for everyone.

    Oh, how happy I was to see you. I fussed all day, getting ready for your appearance. Cleaned the house. Bought some food at the store. Invited friends in and visited others. Hour after hour, I looked at the clock. And as the time drew close for your entrance, I reflected on what we would do together. What I would do to make your visit worthwhile. After all, I didn’t want to bore you nor offend you nor waste the time you were offering me. As I grow older, I realize how valuable time can be.

    I want you to know right up front that I will love every day you are here. I will love my family. Love my job. Love my country. Love my neighbors. Love every inch of this sweet world. I know how you feel about loving and I know you will be pleased to learn there will be plenty of it during your visit.

I will love every day you are here.

    And I also know how you feel about gratitude. So I promise I will be grateful. For the freedoms I enjoy. For the friendships I value. For the promise that each new day holds and for the wonder of life. I will not forget to say, “Thank you,” while you are here, and I will not abuse the opportunities you set in motion.

    You will not be disappointed in me, I promise. I will not waste the bounty you delivered. In fact, when you unpacked your bag, I was amazed that you had managed to carry so much with you. Could that all be for me? So many beckoning minutes to the day. So many promising hours to the week. So many tempting months to the year.

    And there is another promise I intend to keep. I promise to use my creativity while you are on the premises. When I become bored or frustrated or face a brick wall, I will dip into my imagination and find a way around the obstacles that face me. I want your respect, and I know that I cannot have it if I fail to use the gifts you have so generously offered.

    I will also reach out. Help others. Extend my horizons. Be unselfish. Try to stretch in new directions. Rather than close myself off, I will open my heart. Open it wide. Bring in new ideas, new viewpoints, new goals.

    Am I overwhelming you, 2002. Forgive me. But my excitement spills over. I am like a child again, with everything appearing new. I look up at the sky and think I am seeing it for the first time and when the sun appears on this new day, and you are here at last, It feels like the first day of my life. So excuse me if I set off fireworks, and had a party, and laughed too loud and sang too loud and acted a bit silly when you entered the room and said, “Hello.” It is just the expression of joy you bring to me.

    But I also want you to fully understand your hostess. I am not one to be trifled with nor abused. I have been tested again and again.. You might test me also, but beware... I become more determined, stronger, and I do not give up easily in the face of trial. I do not want you to think that because I am peaceful, I am weak. I do not want you to assume that because I am thoughtful, I am preoccupied. I don’t want you to think that you can take advantage of my good nature. If for any reason you betray my trusting soul, you will regret it. Why? Because you don’t control my destiny. I walk with God. He is the ruler of my days, not you. He helps me safeguard each moment and redeem each hour.

    But your visit has just begun and there is no need to expect the bad when the good is so available. So...

    Dear guest, I begin our time together asking for your understanding and your help. For during your stay, I will attempt to strengthen my weaknesses, lessen my insecurities and discard the doubts that prevent me from moving forward. You could help me move forward. Just believe I can do it. If you believe in me, so will I. And together, we will journey together, hand in hand with God who gives you to me and gives me life in your moments.

    12 months, suddenly, does not seem enough time to do everything that must be done.

    So let us get started. Right away.

    I don’t want to waste a minute of you.

© Copyright 2001, Harriet May Savitz Look for her new book, Messages from Somewhere: Inspiring Stories of Life After 60, where Harriet reveals the limitless possibilities at this stage of life, encouraging folks to continue making a difference in their world. This book looks at renewal within family life, friendships, grandparenting, reaching out to the community, relationships, self-discovery, and survival. You can check out this accomplished writer at her web site and look for her new books with Little Treasure Publications, Inc. or email SoulComfort@aol.com for details.

Title: "Welcome 2002!"
Author: Harriet May Savitz
Publication Date: January 9, 2002

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