There is something so disarming about a person on their deathbed. Both of us must have known that! Together we told stories, ate chocolate, hugged one another and generally just had a terrific time. And we both laughed. I actually remembered some of good times of my childhood. While I was there, I also had very memorable times with my uncle, my dad’s brother. He’s in his 80’s now, and fun, loving, considerate, a great conversationalist and a hoot.

The aunt who I stayed with (my mom’s sister) and I caught up on stories untold as well. I got to encounter her as an adult and experience made us even closer, but that’s a story for another time.

A month later, after many phone calls with doctors and nurses long distance I made arrangements for my father to be buried in a veteran’s cemetery. Initially I didn’t think I would make return trip for funeral, but I did. I’m so grateful that I did. So many wonderful things happened because I made that choice. One of which is that I reconnected with a cousin who I had not seen for twenty-five years. Since then she’s visited me here in Las Vegas and we’ve spoken to one another every week on telephone. We are so close now that we will never allow time or space to separate us again.

So, why am I bringing up this story now??? Because it’s holidays, and all of us are “half baked” as Jimmy puts it! While we don’t have to hang around anyone who is unwilling to honor our dignity and treat us with respect, forgiveness is essential for self-growth.

Are you aware that every hour spent in effective planning saves three to four in execution? Effective planning enables us to sort out those things that can be delegated to others.

Planning is a time for prioritizing too. I could be "busy" with many other things besides writing this e-letter. My desk needs straightening. However, there will be time for that after I've finished with my priority.

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Here are ten tips that are suggestions for planning out your year. 1. Remember to mark off your vacation time. 2. Choose goals that align with your values. 3. Say "no" when it's a should, a could or an ought'a. 4. Mark off time just for yourself. 5. Decide what you can delegate. 6. Prioritize everyday 7. Use 10 daily habits. (more about this later) 8. Time things you do so you know how long it really takes. 9. Remember, people first and results second. 10. Create a personal mission statement for yourself.