On beginning the year of 2009

Being a writer, I always equate the first day of a new year to the blank page in a new journal.  As I open the notebook and leaf through its empty pages, the potential for what I will write there is limitless.

However, from being a journal keeper for nearly thirty-five years, I know some of my entries will be sad and painful, as well as joyous and funny.  That is the nature of life.

As the world enters the new year of 2009, the pages are blank and no human knows what this year holds.  Never in my adult life have I seen such uncertainty and concern.  From war and confusion in all corners of the world to an economic meltdown that has shaken the confidence of many, we face uncertain days ahead.

The end of 1939 was much like that... especially in Europe.  War had commenced with the German invasion of Poland and subsequent involvement of most of the continent's nations.