This paper has published letters of people addressing issues that disturb them. Then others rise to the occasion on rebuttals. Too often, we get focused on our own perspectives. This year, and subsequent years, I plan to concentrate on the more positive aspects of our lives.

I live in Surfside. I love it here. We have a very vociferous group of people, with various opposing opinions, and I love them all. No matter if they are part of “the establishment” or the “opposition,” it never fails that when I am passing them and I wave, they wave back. They post such wonderful pictures of beach outings, family gatherings, and their own life events. Almost all of us chose to live here. I have found that just asking questions and listening, really listening, begins to build an understanding with each other.

Pull Quote

We should try and see the beauty of our lives as we live them, day by day, here in one of the most wonderful places ever created by God. As with the writings in the sands, our worries will be washed away by the ocean, but the murmuring of the waves will always be there to bring peace and comfort.

I’ve observed that the deer, geese, ducks, raccoons, rabbits, eagles, herons, bull frogs, and coyotes don’t care what our human contentions are. They seem to be able to live above the fray and go about their daily lives, even if it is sometimes a life and death situation for them. They exist in equilibrium with their environment. This Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or other holidays and celebrations we have this year, please remember that God has placed us all here to help each other. We should try and see the beauty of our lives as we live them, day by day, here in one of the most wonderful places ever created by God. As with the writings in the sands, our worries will be washed away by the ocean, but the murmuring of the waves will always be there to bring peace and comfort.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year everyone.

LINDSAY BRUCE

Surfside