2012

2011 was unquestionably the worst year of our lives. It was a year full of tragedy, heartbreak, tears, and uncertainties. This past year I lost a piece of myself, I lost some faith in mankind, and I was harshly reminded to always count my blessings.

2011 was a first for many life experiences, but it was also the first time in my life that I have ever truly experienced hate. I'm not trying to dramatize our situation, but I don't think that many people understand how severe our situation is. My family has been ripped apart, my husband cannot (yet) legally live in this country, we are in tight financial situation, and our future is about as certain as the Mayan calendar.

I digress. Back to my feelings of hate. I hated many people over the past year, and I think that I have every right to. We have been lied to, spit on, and drug through the mud. Why? Well that is something that we have been waiting for the last 9 months to get an answer to. Anyway, I've realized that the hatred that I have developed for certain people just isn't worth it. I will never forgive them, but this year I vowed to step on the memories of them like they have stepped all over us.

You see, I am starting 2012 off with a refreshed perspective on life. If I continue my hatred, my "why us," my false hopes for the future... then I may very well drive myself mad. This year I am giving the events of 2011 a chapter in my book of life, and I am moving on. I am stronger than those who have tried to beat us down, and I am going to begin each new day with serenity and the peace of knowing that all things happen for a reason.

I believe in karma, and even though the universe has an odd (sometimes perverse) way of working, I am going to take this experience and draw strength from it. I believe that the universe will take care of the people that have hurt us; but it is not my duty to hurt them for that only makes me as low as they are.

My hope for 2012 is for the families involved in the tragic events of 28 April 2011 to find peace. I hope that our family will soon be reunited, that my husband will find a job, and that I will finish my degree.

I hope this year brings happiness and health to all of you.

With love,

Whitney