2009 was not an ordinary year. Seems like most years that end in 9 have been remarkable. I keenly remember 1989, 1999, and no doubt will remember 2009. President Barack Obama won the Presidency. Making history with an inaugaration event in DC that was bigger than the Million March. It was cold as ever that day, but hundreds of thousands of people endured the elements with elation. Me and my family walked from Southeast through Capitol Hill and on to the Mall with so much spirit, hope, optimism, and surprise realizing we were living through the dawn of a new age for our world.
2009 was a very good year, but even more complex. Steelers won the Superbowl, Yankees won the World Series, SE Titans won the #DMV 65 pound title, and the Penguins hoisted the cup. My teams truly helped make the year memorable! 2009 also had its lows. We lost Michael Jackson. My Godsister Erika Harper and her two young sons were brutally murdered by her deranged husband. My wife's grandmother got diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. The recession deepened and turned the optimism of the nation that saw no flaws in our President into amnesiacs that blamed the worsening job losses, Wall Street corruption, failed banks, bankrupt corporations, and economic devastation, and almost every other societal ill on our newly elected royal family. In spite of all these trials and tribulations, 2009 was phenomenal.
Every year is fleeting. Every year is complex. Every year should be cherished. God has blessed us all with more than we deserve, and we must repay by living each day as if it were our last. The Gaskins and Glamourlife will remain committed to excellence. Continuous improvement is how we have lived, and will continue to live every day of our lives. Happy New Year to everyone. We wish you nothing but the best in 2010.
Dr Boyce Watkins
