i see you

I’m very late getting to my letter this week. Often, I lament that there’s nothing left to say but that’s never true, is it? This past week, on two sides of the planet, we’ve seen senseless acts of gun violence, and this on the heels of the 13^th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Sandy Hook is nearby. My high school classmate was the school nurse there the day it happened. I have friends who lived in the town.

So, there’s plenty to say about the hard truths of life in the closing month of 2025, the close of the first quarter of this new millennium. But what can I say that hasn’t already been said?

Truly, that is not the question.

The right question is this: Have I said what I believe to be true? Is what I say kind? True? Helpful or necessary?

I write this letter tonight, as I have weekly for 14 years. My only wish is to help you be compassionate toward yourself and compassionate toward others. Do that, and check your words. Before you speak, ask yourself those same questions: Is it kind? Is it true? Is it helpful? If not, let it go. Come back later to revisit your words. See what has changed.

Often, our world is a hard place to live. That was true thousands of years ago, hundreds of years ago and this past week. That tells me that it will always be so. That’s a hard truth. But our world has always had people like you and me. People who care, people who help, people who want it to be better.

This holiday season is one of hope. Do not despair. Do not give up on each other. I need you to know that your small, local actions – even just your thoughts – make a difference. Hope matters. Shine your light wherever you can.

I see you. I thank you. I need you.

You matter. You matter to me.

© 2025 www.megreilly360.com

12/15/25