One of my favorite songs is Seasons of Love from RENT. In it, the characters describe all of the ways to measure a year:
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.
In truths that she learned,
Or in times that he cried.
In bridges he burned,
Or the way that she died.
In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.
As we look back at 2011 and toward 2012, we’re going to change the lyrics a bit.
In heartbeats, in school kids, in volunteers
In screenings (and cups of coffee)
In generous donors, in ECHOs, in ECGs
In truths that she learned (through raising awareness),
Or in times that he cried (because of a life-changing diagnosis).
In corrective procedures performed,
Or stories of the thousands that died.
In three thousand seven hundred and nine hearts checked, and thirty five lives changed.
Happy New Year! We are so grateful for your support (just like these kids).