With the close of Christmas, the attention turns to the New Year’s holiday, and for me that means resolutions.
Those who knows me know the results of some of my own expectations—reading books for pleasure, taking a few more day trips, upping my exercise routine, eating more balanced meals and visiting friends and relatives— were a mixed bag. Life has a way of throwing curveball when I want a fastball.
In the past couple of years, I have honored my late father by making sure I have been seeing mom on a regular basis (at least once a month), which I can say I have accomplished. Mom is in a retirement home, and that limits the conversations to merely a smile. My other three brothers and their families have been yeoman in their efforts to visit mom, and I salute them for all they have done.
Living in the High Plains is a reminder that family relationships are far more valuable than financial assets—though in a family farm operation having a good balance sheet and positive cash flow eases the stress.
As we move into 2025, it means we are at the quarter mark of the 21st century. That milestone should be one to be proud of, and it means we have done many things right and accomplished much with technology. Today’s crops and livestock production have in many ways out-performed expectations set in the year 2000, which was celebrated before the 9/11 terrorist strikes, the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Too often we may focus on such remembrances, which are important as a way to learn from history, but one challenge I have made for myself in 2025 is to put a high priority on family gatherings, graduations, weddings and reunions that can bring me personal joy. Such accomplishments bring together the circle of what past generations tried to impart to me.
It won’t be easy, and there will be missed opportunities and setbacks. Schedule conflicts will always place limitations on what is realistic.
Referring to “Auld Lang Syne,” scotland.org states that the words in the title translate as “for old time’s sake,” and the song is all about preserving old friendships and looking back over the events of the year. It is sung all over the world, evoking a sense of belonging, fellowship and nostalgia. The song is often sung just after midnight with a sense of emotion and laughter.
No doubt 2025 will unfold as it must, and only the good Lord knows what’s ahead for me. Hopefully, as I write the column a year from now, I can share some of excitement, joys and even a few tears that will mark the ensuing 365 days. I hope a year from now I will be able to sing “Auld Lang Syne” with fond memories about 2025.
As this year’s book closes, please accept my best wishes as I add “may all of your dreams come true.”
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
