Good bye 2006

It is interesting to find that in the incredible odyssey of my life, I have always found a spring of hope and a gush of faith that keep my steps firm.
I, like everyone, face and struggle with hopes and fears. But I am sure glad that I have my spring and my gush to push me forward.
Even though I feel exhausted, as usual I feel a need to reflect on this stage of my life. I find that I am filled with bitter sweet feelings for I have seen this before and it is the proximity of departure that comes to mind.
Despite all, I am so happy to say that I love my surroundings more than many of those who are from here, perhaps they just don't know what they have. Who knows what is in store? That is the beauty of life, and for now, I close my eyes and let some thoughts come out:

Good bye 2006,

A year that’s meant much to me;
I’ve been looking forward to this day;
Thinking I could get away;
From the past, and to be free;
Instead I find that inside me,
I wish to hold on, wish to stay.

One year closer, I believed;
But I may be one year farther if I think;
For the experiences that I’ve lived;
They leave swirling in life’s sink.

Appalachia, I have found you;
As a blessing to our needs;
You are so old and I’m so new;
Despite the years in my knees;
With your rivers and your views;
And those mountains my heart sees.

In your people, I have found;
Truth of character, kindness, love;
Promise, I’ll come around;
To fill with you, my whole soul.

Lee Jaen Nic ‘06

Christmas is coming.

I celebrate the day of Christ with lights and Santa Claus, smiling as I see my children laugh and play decorating a Christmas tree; feeling my heart warm up in the singing of my daughter's Christmas carols and my son's hard labor elaborating his “presents” list.
Yet, I can't help to think back to what this day means to me and many. It is the day when the man that became legend, became spirit, became part of the souls of the world. Not because of decree by some institution or another, but because of what he truly represents: REVOLUTION!
Someone who gave his life for the good of his fellow humans, who stood in the middle of the accused, who defended the allegedly dishonorable, who fed the hungry, who did his best to heal as he walked this crazy, violent and harsh earth.
Christmas to me is the best that all of us have, it is the moment we put aside our differences and become one of the same: parents, family, friends, and neighbors, “Humans.”
I reach out to you in the most humble and truest form this Christmas to wish you and yours the very best that life could give: Happiness! Even if we are sick and happy, our pain feels less painful. Love? Before I make you sick, let me tell you: If I have ever offended you in any way, I apologize from the bottom of my heart. If you still have a sense that there is more to life than $, homes and cars, pleasure trips, fancy sunglasses and expensive clothes, then you may feel this: Happy Holidays, and get your spirit going for those who need us. Work hard, stand tall, fight hard, speak up and do unto others as you would have done unto you. Wake up the revolutionary in you! Merry Christmas.