Dear 2016,
What these letters usually say is, "It's not you, it's me," but that would be lying. 2016, it was you who damaged our relationship, with all the tragedy and angst.
You took Bowie and Prince, George Michael, Merle Haggard.
Each one's passing left us torn and tattered.
You forced us to bid goodbye to John Glenn and Glenn Frey.
You took Alans Rickman and Thicke without batting an eye.
Pat Summitt, Craig Sager, John Saunders, Gwen Ifill...
Without the curse of disease, you'd all be with us still.
Doris Roberts, Gene Wilder, Gary Shandling, Gary Marshall,
Your absence has swung us from cheerful to tearful.
Sharon Jones, Phife Dawg, Maurice White, Leonard Cohen,
Even though gone, your musical talents will always live on.
Ali, Nancy Reagan, Elie Wiesel, Janet Reno,
You shaped history in ways we may not even know.
This week's newest losses have put us in dumbfounded distress,
Debbie Reynolds and daughter Carrie Fisher... our very own Princess.
Of course, these are just some of the "greats," ones we all hear about.
There are also those close to us, some of whom we must now live without.
2016... so swift to assign fates of cancer and divorce,
And sweep away loved ones with unabashed force.
Yes, death is unavoidable; there's no fountain of youth.
Sometimes it's just hard to face the inevitable truth.
I'm not one to hold grudges; I may even consider a reprieve.
But, I'm holding onto 2017's hope for good health, joy and peace.
With love,
Sylvia
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Sylvia Anderson
Originally from Minnesota, Sylvia moved to California for the sun, sand and warm temperatures. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in English and Communications, both of which she has put to good use in her work with RadioMD as Senior Editor.
Her past work, including articles, editorials and blogs, has been published nationwide - online and in various print publications.
Sylvia truly believes in taking health seriously! From nutrition and physical fitness to alternative therapies, Sylvia credits her incredible wellness to living a healthy lifestyle. And, as one of the editors of RadioMD, she feels lucky to be able to learn something new about health each and every day.