This is my fifty-ninth new year’s evening. I don’t recall the first several years but by the age of five, I had become quite engaged with the whole affair. In the past decade or so, I have become less enamored with the festivities but not as introspective as one might believe me to be.

This morning I have read countless statements and memes on social media, complaining about what a horrible year it has been. Certainly, I believe it has been a year of unfortunate occurrences for many, but for me, it has been a year. Just another year where some days were better than others only in the end, I did my best to make it a great day, and in the end a great year.

The song “Auld Lang Syne” has become a traditional ballad to take into account the former year at the inauguration of the new year. Funerals, retirements, graduations, or other occasions of farewells, often incorporate the song. The closing ceremonies of The Louisiana Exposition or more commonly known as The 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, concluded with the vast crowd singing “Auld Lang Syne.”

Famed Scottish poet, Robert Burns wrote the poem in 1788, based on a Scottish folk song. Several translations of the title are “times long past,” “old times,” “long, long ago,” or “days gone by.” Some even believe the translation is “for the sake of old times.”  It has even been suggested, by Matthew Fitt, that “in the days of auld lang syne” is the equivalent of “once upon a time” in the retelling of fairy tales in Scottish.

Since 1799, after being set to a familiar melody, the song has become a standard.

As with many hymns or other songs, the first verse is always familiar but succeeding verses are neglected in memory. I love the closing three verses of “Auld Lang Syne” and I would like to highlight them.

We two have run about the hills

And pulled the daisies fine;

But we’ve wandered manys the weary foot

Since long, long ago.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,

From morning sun till dine;

But seas between us broad have roared

Since long, long ago.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand, my trusty friend!

And give us a hand of yours!

And we’ll take a deep draught of good-will

For long, long ago.

——————

May each of you find the encouraging spirit and remembrances of 2022 as you make ready for the annual exchange to take place in less than twelve hours. And always – one day at a time, always make it a great day…