new year’s wish

The New Jersey Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary near our house has a holly tree. One of the naturalists there told us that one winter day a particular species of bird will come at eat every berry on that tree. It’s supposed to be something to worth seeing – but because it happens so quickly, you have to be very lucky or very diligent to catch it.


Last night Chris and I watched a documentary on ABBA. At the height of the band’s popularity, Agnetha Fältskog, the blond vocalist, decided she wouldn’t tour anymore because she wanted to stay home with her baby. Her husband, Björn Ulvaeus, the band’s guitar player totally didn’t get it. He figured, they had a Nanny, what difference would it make if they left the kid with her for a few days here or there?

The thing is, you don’t know when the birds will come to eat the berries – or when baby will take his first step. The only way to be sure to be there, is to always be there.

So, here is my New Year’s Wish: May you have the luxury to be there for all of next year’s unmissable moments. And may you have the serenity to be fully present for each of them.

Happy New Year!