Kiss today good bye, the problems and the sorrow....

Today is the 31st day of January.  This has been the longest, most sorrowful, coldest, grayest month I can remember.  But the challenge now is to welcome the month of February with its unknown opportunities and challenges with optimism and enthusiasm, and not dwell on the past month.  And it will take all the strength and courage, fortitude and stamina we can muster.

For those of us who have lost loved ones in January, I offer this poem, by an unknown author.

Do not stand by my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awake
in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die.

I have a bag full of cards; birthday, Christmas, thank you, get well, thinking of you,  and I used to have sympathy cards.  I've used all the sympathy cards this month.  So, please do not make me go out and buy more!  No more, I've used my quota for this year.