Dec. 16, 1999: As the holidays approach instead of cheer it seems we run into gloom. For me, Christmas has always been a wonderful time. Sure there has been times when my Father wasn’t in a jolly mood and could be the Grinch on crack. But I never let that get me down. At times the presents may have not been the most expensive or incredible. However, it was truly the thought that counted. There are people who don’t find as much joy or happiness in this time of year as I do. Whether it’s family or personal problems, these people don’t find anything merry about Christmas. Maybe there isn’t much to be happy for; there is war, violence, and sickness. There are no reasons why such horrid things happen to such good people. I don’t think God personally chooses bad things to happen. I believe that God is rather hands off when it comes to our lives. It is our personal decisions and the decisions of others with some genetics thrown in that puts us where we are in the world. Sooner or later everything has a limit physically. That is why I hold to the spirit. The spirit of hope and love. As cheesy as it sounds, the only comfort I can offer to you my friends is this: somewhere out there is hope for a better tomorrow and an answer to the question that eludes us today. We must look forward and continue on in strength toward that day. This Christmas if anyone wants to give me a present I only want this: do a good deed for someone else without expectation of any return. That is what I want for Christmas… for everyone to try and make a better place for those who do not know the joy of this holiday season and in turn to enforce the power of the spirit of hope. Peace…