2010-01-01 Happy New Year

New Year’s Day is traditionally a time to look back at the past year and forward to the coming year and all that it might bring.

This past September brought about the sudden death of Buddy the fearless, adventurous, and ever-loving cat. I appreciate that after my column about Buddy several people wrote or called to offer us a new cat. I couldn’t take any of them because I had promised my oldest that we would wait until after she was home from study abroad, and I had promised my youngest we would get a little kitten, because she’s been asking for ages and my kids have never had that experience. Now we finally begin our search for a sweet and outgoing kitten, an orange female if Allie gets her way.

In November I told you about Jenna’s “Pay it Forward” blood and bone marrow registry drive. Jenna is a high school senior who had been very recently diagnosed with leukemia. She is doing well and a potential bone marrow donor has been located. The drive far exceeded expectations. 268 units of blood were donated that day, with several appointments scheduled for later donations, and 220 bone marrow donors were registered with dozens more planning to register online. This is just one example of the tremendous outpouring of support Jenna’s family has experienced.

Last spring I wrote about my anticipation of great things for the new Metea Valley music department and so far the three concerts I’ve attended - one in the gym, one in the atrium, and one at North Central’s Wentz Hall - have all been outstanding. Next week the students will begin practicing in the newly available music rooms and soon we will have our first events in the school’s auditorium.

A July column covered the topic of having two of my children attending different high schools this school year, and as expected, all has gone well and the new high school has provided exceptional opportunities for its students.

I have written about many things going on in the school district, including volunteering opportunities. More help is always needed and welcomed, and I hope that more people will step up and get involved in some way this year.

I recently wrote about college preparation during the senior year of high school. At our house the coming months will bring the FAFSA, scholarship and loan applications, decisions, high school graduation, and our daughter moving into a dorm somewhere – a new experience for us as she will be the first in our family to do so.

My family was blessed with a good year and a wonderful Christmas. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost their jobs, those who have lost their homes to fire, and those struggling with serious health issues.

I wish for a prosperous and very happy new year for everyone.