Linda Hall
I feel so sorry for the family of 3-year-old Jimmy Atilua Laulu who drowned on Christmas Day at Ocean Beach.
To lose a child at anytime of the year is tragic but for it to happen on Christmas Day means Christmas is ruined for this family forever.
For them Christmas Day has become a time of mourning.
They aren't the only family whose lives have changed forever this year and as we head for a new year and new beginnings, all of us who have gotten through the year without losing a loved one can thank our lucky stars.
If I've learned one thing over the many years of my life it's the fact that no matter how much money you have, where you live, what you drive, what you do for a living, it all means nothing if you don't have your health first and your family and friends second.
So my goal for 2016 is to spend more time with my family and friends, stop stressing about the little things and be thankful for everything I have.
Ummmm, if you are reading this daughter number one and only son, that does not mean I'm free to babysit every weekend.
However, we all know what happens to New Year's resolutions.
Doesn't matter how many good intentions you have at the beginning of the year things get in the way. But I think this one will be easy to do because I love spending time with family.
Especially the little people. We had lots of fun on Boxing Day with extended family. The inventors of Zuru Bunch O Balloons must be rubbing their hands together. Every child I spoke to on Christmas Day got a packet of these.
They are so much fun. I remember having water fights when I was a child but we used buckets, cups, the hose or funny little water pistols.
These water "bombs" had us all in fits of laughter as the children tried hitting their parents with little effect because they couldn't throw them hard enough.
Then the "big kids" got involved and it was all on. Lots of fun and lots of wet adults.
The only thing was there were bits of balloons all over the lawn.
Oh well, I didn't have to pick them up.
Anyway back to New Year resolutions or as in my case my, goal for 2015.
I'm afraid I have to admit I have failed to reach my goal this year which was to do a triathlon. I've done a couple of duathlons but the swim leg of a tri scares me.
I keep making excuses. "Can't do it this time as I have to babysit, but I'll be good to go next month". And at the time I have every intention of doing it "next month", then when the time goes by in a flash I suddenly have a "sore hip" or "I'm way too busy getting ready for Christmas".
That was my last excuse.
I am disappointed in myself, however, the good thing about this 2015 goal was that I have been "training"... well sort of. I've been biking, swimming and running - just not all on the same day.
I never seem to have time to do that... that's another excuse.
But it is hard to fit everything in, working, exercise, housework (yuck). I know it's important to keep fit so I'll carry on doing what I'm doing and maybe next year will be the year I do my first triathlon.
In the meantime family comes first.
I wish you all a safe, healthy and happy New Year.
-Linda Hall is assistant editor at Hawke's Bay Today.