Because, quite frankly, I have to admit that though Two Thousand Sixteen may have had some great moments (and all years have their share) Two Thousand Sixteen has had way too many bad things happen. I’m not saying that we all ought just look at the negative things that occurred under the watch of Two Thousand Sixteen, but I sure as hell don’t advise ignoring them either.

I’m a pragmatic. I believe in seeing what is right in front of me. I also believe in taking ownership of the experience occurring to me in the moment. And whether good, bad, or indifferent, my experience in the moment is the result of the passage of time. Memory is the lingering of time.

I’ve been through tough times a plenty. And truth be told Two Thousand Sixteen doesn’t come close to the challenges I’ve faced in the past. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. Just not as bad. But it still hurts. My icons, my role models, and even my hopes have been seriously impacted by Two Thousand Sixteen. I’m not going to recap them all here and now – possibly not ever – but suffice it to say Two Thousand Sixteen feels more like a harbinger of things to come than an ending of hardships.

I hope I am wrong.

Then I remember: This too shall pass.

So I am hoping the best for Two Thousand Seventeen, while keeping an eye out for the worst.