Wiston Papers

Lest we forget...we really are blessed.

This holiday season I rejoice in the essential goodness of people. And how blessed we are to be surrounded by fellow human beings who place the welfare of family, friends and neighbors ahead of self.

Yes, it’s been a challenge this year.  We were subjected to a protracted, bitter, negative presidential campaign that was more often mean spirited than positive and uplifting.  

But I never doubted the sincerity of either candidate’s love of nation and desire for good.  

Yes, tumultuous weather battered all regions of America--testing our endurance, faith and survival.  We faced fires in the West, drought in the Midwest, hurricanes in the East, suffocating heat across broad patches of the nation followed by bone-chilling blizzards.  

But in virtually every instance we prevailed through spirit and resolve.  

Yes, too many fellow Americans died this year--victims of war, accidents, disease, disasters and violence.  Some deaths were preventable; others were inevitable.  

But everytime and everywhere our neighbors stood up to console the living and help repair the damage.

I admit to moments of despair when I see all-too-frequent moments of evil and insanity in our world. But I take solace in the knowledge that thousands of persons perform daily, untold heroic deeds.

These gestures of kindness rarely make headlines. But they should.  

We should remember that  a police officer buys shoes for a homeless man.  

We should remember the doctors and nurses who donate their skills for free to the disadvantaged.

We should remember those Americans who travel thousands of miles to help the victims of Storm Sandy and other disasters. 

We all know people in our communities who make a difference.  Who remind us that that--despite our flaws--we are essentially good.   They may not make news, but they make a difference.

Let’s embrace that thought as we hug our family, friends and other loved ones this season.

We are blessed indeed.

Steve Coon

December 23, 2012