I am making serious efforts to be upbeat for two friends who need me
during serious illness. I need them in my life and want them to know I
am standing right beside them. I hope I can change their bleak world a
tiny bit and make it more hopeful.

Recently I have embarked upon a personal campaign which may make me
sound like a Pollyanna. I have smiled and said "thank you" to those who
work hard to make their way: check-out clerks, postal clerks and all
those who are there to work for us in an increasingly impatient and rude
world. It may not change the world but if we all gave it a try,
perhaps life would be somewhat sunnier in this dark January world.