2014: another 'Annus Horribilis'?

Was 2014 an unusual year for last goodbyes? So many close friends and colleagues lost loved ones too. (Image CNN)

It's that time of year again when many us get all introspective and philosophical.

When I pontificated about 2013 this time last year, it was with some optimism about the year ahead. But now, 12 months later, I think I got off lightly.

Apart from a bit of a health scare for me mid-year and one for my daughter when her appendix went postal in January, 2014 was comparatively uneventful when I consider all the other events both private and public that made last year one to forget.

So many close friends and colleagues had to dig deep into their emotional resources just to get through. Parents, loved ones, spouses and dear friends were all called up to the great beyond in a year that one is tempted to repeat Her Majesty's 1992 phrase: 'Annus Horribilis'.

Will MH370 families ever get closure? (China Daily)

We can't possibly imagine what those close to events like MH370, MH17, TNA222 and now QZ8501 are going through. With 18 major events in all, 2014 was not a great year for aviation. Even as I write this news of another fatal accident involving an acquaintance hits the headlines.

Unpredictable events aside, I imagine my 2015 will progress more or less like any other with travel, deadlines and a few jolly catch-ups. I hope to get a few languishing projects off the ground and I am looking forward to some travel with family and my darling daughter’s graduation in April.

To my dear friends and family, I trust you make the most of every opportunity and not squander the time we have here on Earth. Live, love and be kind, you never know what the future holds.

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