What a wonderful time of year this is – there is so much going on all around us; nationally, in our state, and locally.

It’s amazing how one extra hour of daylight can affect our moods. I am one who doesn’t care for the extreme heat of summer but totally appreciates the sunshine of spring. The serious issues that face us as a nation and as a community are still present but somehow they seem more bearable when the sun is shining and the signs of spring are appearing. It is, after all, the season of hope and new beginnings....how can you not feel refreshed and alive this time of year, on the West Side especially? Orchards in full bloom, bright green leaves just beginning to burst through, baby animals in the fields, birds returning to build their nests, and the skies, how amazing are the skies this time of year! For cloud watchers, like myself, this time of year is like a moving art exhibit with a different artist featured every day. When life is getting me too serious, when issues hit hard and seem to be hopeless, it takes just a moment outdoors or sometimes a drive through the beautiful country roads of our communities, to remind me that life is good and it all works out with faith.

Of course, it does take work, sometimes agonizing work, to battle issues that hit close to home. Our communities are facing tough times with the state budget cuts, the downward spiral of the housing market and many families battling unemployment. The cost of living has risen so high, it seems impossible to catch up at times. But on the flip side, our communities are also shining with youth programs successfully forming and offering opportunities for our young residents, organizations are rallying to support those who are facing hardships, and like I said, it’s almost spring!

This time of year is a wonderful reminder that, despite the weight of the real world, there is beauty all around us and, this time of year especially, hope springs eternal.

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