Who Cares?

The end of a year - an entire trip around the Sun

The Sun (source: Gaia Astrology)

Time to plan (or attempt to plan)

And to reflect

Which begs the question: Who cares?

"Who cares?" I ask, as I look back on a blog that no one comments on...

"Who cares?" I muse, as I procrastinate sending out holiday cards and wrapping gifts...

"Who cares?" I ponder, as I listen to a few talking heads on TV or watch angry people protesting about things they must care about, deeply and passionately...  

I fumble with my dilapidated dictionary, to reacquaint myself with the definition of this lovely word

Long have I been seduced by its sugar-coated meaning

Webster's New World Dictionary explains:

Care is derived from the Old English word "caru"  meaning "sorrow" - "a troubled state of mind; worry" - "a liking or regard for" - "a responsibility; to feel concern" - "to feel love or a liking for; to look after, provide for" 

Sorrow? Worry? Responsibility? This sheds new light on the power of this little word

Perhaps if I asked my question in a general way, with a positive spin on it, I'd get a different answer...

Who cares?

Angelina Jolie is an ambassador for the United Nations

There are people who are working tirelessly to help others in need; to protect the environment; to promote worthy causes

There are animals who bond with other species of animals - including humans - to form what can only be called "friendships"

There's my brother, who takes care of our mother at home, driving her to appointments and to the YMCA, cooking and cleaning... doing his best to keep it all going smoothly

There's my husband, working long hours to make sure we have a place to live, the bills get paid, there's something to eat... and he still says things to make me laugh 

And there's me

I care...

And that's enough to get me through another year