Selfishly I have a wish for 2009. A year from now, I want 2010 to come with all the friends I have now alive and well.

This year has been a rough year for us. In August, we lost Jay Morris, a good friend who lived in Florida and contributed greatly to the fun we enjoyed when in the sunshine state. In September, I lost my mother, Ruby Hoagland. She was a lovely lady but alzheimers had robbed us the past years.

Also we lost Bob Taylor, our best Florida friend this week. He died on December 23rd but we didn’t learn of his death until Christmas morning.

So my prayer is that a year from now, when we are heading into 2010, want all of our friends to be alive and well. No more losses. We need everyone of you in our lives. One year at a time. We want you to thrive and enjoy life with us.

As we get older, our friends’ lives are more fragile. We know that many of those closest to us are in their 80’s and 90’s. Their lives are all that much more special. We just hope they all continue to be well.

That’s our prayer. Our wish.