I think I first became aware that I was a separate entity from my family as the world collapsed in mourning following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. I had just wiped my tears when we were drawn deep down by the assassination of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr and then Bobby Kennedy. As awful as all that was and still is, I can never forget the murders at Kent State. I knew I grew up then. Youngsters killing youngsters; no morality, no questioning authority, just aim and shoot. To this day, those images stain my mind and sustain my cynicism about society and our capacity for evil over good.

Now we’re here at the close of 2008 where greed, hubris, self aggrandizement and narcissism have caused the breakdown of our global financial system. We’re near a pinnacle of world debasement with insults literally thrown at our leaders and six years into a war that has been questionable from its first encroachment. We‘re ignoring the reality that children are starving, families are homeless and healthcare is provided at mediocre levels at best.

I am book ended by the Age of Aquarius and the Age of Wonder. The wonder of living to see Barak Obama elected president. Of once again experiencing the passion and youthful enthusiasm around these past elections, the motivation and frank pride of diverse people stepping up and showing their strength. I always wonder about destiny, and if all this history and contemporary knowledge was pre determined. If it was written, I say thank you. If it’s our destiny, I say thank you again. Happy holidays and a safe and joyful 2009.

Eileen Marcus