As we welcome 2025, we may hear the age-old song "Auld Lang Syne" playing in the background. Most widely known to be circulated in 1788 by poet Robert Burns, Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish phrase meaning “old long since” or in modern translations, “for old times’ sake.” However Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, does not take credit for its origins. Instead, he claims he simply wrote the poem down when he heard the words from an old man singing! While perhaps not the creator, Burns is credited for popularizing the phrase, and once the poem was accompanied with music (published in a Scottish song anthology by George Thompson in 1799) it took on an entirely new life of its own. Several variations of the song exist, but the meaning has remained universally clear: to appreciate the years we’ve lived through and preserve the friendships we cherished along the way. This message of appreciation is something we hear a lot from clients looking back on their lives. When asked about lessons learned, regrets, and advice, many bring up mentors, friends, and advisors who have helped along the way. It makes me wonder, is it really the people IN our life that makes up a life?
For ‘old times' sake,’ here are some of our favorite client responses from this past year:
“My lessons learned was life itself, which was full of challenges. I left home at age 5 and then my uncle went away to the service when I was 10. I had to grow up quickly. I was not the best student, but I was a hard worker and made many friends. If I had any advice, it would be to be good to people, because you never know when you might need them.”
- Carlo V.
“Ella was my best friend and was always there for me. I met her when we moved into La Grange. She was more my age than some of our other neighbors who were older. Over the years, we have taken many vacations together, including trips to Mexico, Vancouver, Alaska, and the Rose Bowl. When Ella lost her husband years later, I fixed her up on a date and we all became very good friends.”
- Norma V.
“I had some good coaches over the years, such as Vince and Wes down at Western Illinois. Several superintendents who I worked for were good mentors and even became friends. Most of the teachers I worked with were really good people. When I left, they planned a big retirement party for me at the Brookfield Zoo. I received a lot of really nice notes and letters. It was really touching.”
- Bill V.
“When my father retired, all these trustees and community leaders gave speeches of recognition. Those who couldn’t make it, wrote kind letters of appreciation. He deserved every bit of it. He was a key part in the evolution of Campbell as a community. He worked 6.5 days a week and was glad to do it. That was my dad. Though he appreciated the recognition; he didn’t need it. He wasn’t a boastful person at all. He looked at public education the way a rabbi or minister looks at his calling. He had a sense of duty to do his part.”
- Art H. on his father Larry
“[After my cancer diagnosis], I knew how to support others going through illness as a social worker; now I would know what it was like to be a patient. I have several friends and neighbors who are currently dealing with cancer and I’ve struggled with whether to be a friend, a fellow patient, or a social worker for them! Their names are all on my daily prayer list and as I sit with my legs up the wall (to help with neuropathy), I go through the list of people and pray for them. I’ve been advised to put my name on there, too.”
- Carolyn L.
“I had many people who helped me along the way, so I tried to be that person to others. The stuff you say, the actions you take, people are watching and listening. Everyone has influence.”
- Jim D.
“Be concerned with the people you come in contact with. Do the right thing for them and you’ll do the right thing for you. Learn from people, from your mistakes, and your successes. Most importantly, enjoy life! When you put your head on the pillow, you had a good day. If you wake up tomorrow, know that it’s going to be even better.”
- Barry C.
As you enter 2025 and perhaps hear the words of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, consider the people who have shared some of those up and down days with you. Was it a good year? Did you feel like you barely made it through? Who are the people in your life who made the ride a little more fun or bearable?
Happy New Year to all. I look forward to more amazing life stories in 2025 and I hope you also have great things in store.
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