​At year’s end, it’s common to look back and take stock.
 
Earlier this month, I attended my aunt’s funeral. Cousins, their children and grandchildren, and others came from coast to coast to this unique gathering. (When will we ever be together again?) With ages ranging from preschool to 90’s, our family stood as a testament to compassion, forgiveness, and love. 

​This season’s holidays welcome back the light. While the change is subtle in the lower 48 (about one minute more light each day), elsewhere it’s more dramatic. In parts of Alaska, for example, there’s seven minutes more light each day or an hour more every nine days.

​After spending most of the year together, I was preparing our final Academy session. For the participants, this would be their graduation. For their supporters, this would be their only exposure to the program. I wanted it to be perfect. There was only one problem: