Good-bye 2017.

To say it’s been an extremely unusual year would be a huge understatement, and it’s not even over yet.

Who would have thought in a million years that Donald Trump, who has constantly throughout the year stated he was going to run for President, but then backed off. Well, this time he didn’t back off and look what happened.

I was just listening to the radio this morning (12/18/17) and they listed all of these disasters that Trump had to deal with so far. There were 3 major hurricanes: Harvey, Irma and  Maria, California Wildfires which are still ongoing, several mass shootings with a great loss of life, investigations of Russia tampering in United States elections, and a score of sexual harassment allegations in the political arena. We still have wars going on and constant unrest in the Middle East, and let’s not forget Kim Jong-un and his nuclear missiles.

Like Trump or hate him, (which is both sides of the political spectrum) as President of the United States, he must deal with all of this.

You know what they say: whatever you do, you can’t please everyone.

At the last Perth  Amboy Council Meeting, I have to totally agree with Councilman Joel Pabon who thanked all the volunteers who are unappreciated. Also, like he said, it’s usually the same individuals who are volunteering all the time.

First of all, we want to thank our First Responders who are always there, running into dangerous situations, even as their own homes are being destroyed or in danger of being destroyed.

If you notice at award dinners, there may be the same people who are being honored many times. No matter what you think about some of these people, it’s because of their contributions to the community. You have to remember that developers are also in it to make a profit. The most important thing is that they treat with due respect the residents of the municipality and those who buy there — and invest and live in those projects..

Our wish for 2018 is just to have a better year than 2017. We know it has been a very a rough road for those who suffered through all of these tragedies. They still have a rough time ahead of them, and we hope that they are able to garner strength each and every day into the new year and beyond.

Many get through by having great faith, and it’s important that if someone doesn’t have immediate family, friends will be there to help them in their time in need.

Ironically, sometimes it’s hardships that bring strangers together, and they end up being the best of friends. Sometimes fate has a strange way of working things out.

If you are fortunate enough to make it through this year with few worries, maybe you can help someone who is having a rough time. It’s not always a monetary gift that is needed. A hug, a smile, a thank-you, or an acknowledgement can go a long way.

I may have told this story in the past, but it bears repeating. Children seem to sense when something is wrong. I had broken up with a boyfriend years ago, and was feeling down and didn’t think I was showing it. I remember at the time, one of my nephews who was 8 years old, said to me, “Did someone break your heart, Aunt Carolyn?” I responded, “Yes.” He came over and gave me a big hug and said,”I will always love you.” That was all I needed. I hope it is the same for you.

Merry Christmas and may the new New Year(s) be healthy, happy and prosperous in the way that means the most to you. C.M. & K.M.