Dec 31, 2012 4 min read

Dear readers: Happy New Year. We hope 2013 will be the best year ever for each and every one of you. May you be blessed with good health, close family, kind friends, love and laughter. We hope you will make this the year you vow to be kinder and more compassionate so you can help the world become a better place in which to live.

In honor of the day, here is poem written by William Cullen Bryant in 1859:

A Song for New Year’s Eve

Stay yet, my friends,

a moment stay –

Stay till the good old year,

So long companion

of our way,

Shakes hands, and

leaves us here.

Oh stay, oh stay,

One little hour,

and then away.

The year, whose hopes

were high and strong,

Has now no hopes

to wake;

Yet one hour more

of jest and song

For his familiar sake.

Oh stay, oh stay,

One mirthful hour,

and then away.

The kindly year, his

liberal hands

Have lavished all his store.

And shall we turn

from where he stands,

Because he gives no more?

Oh stay, oh stay,

One grateful hour,

and then away.

Days brightly came

and calmly went,

While yet he was our guest;

How cheerfully the

week was spent!

How sweet the

seventh day’s rest!

Oh stay, oh stay,

One golden hour,

and then away.

Dear friends were with us, some who sleep

Beneath the coffin-lid:

What pleasant

memories we keep

Of all they said and did!

Oh stay, oh stay,

One tender hour,

and then away.

Even while we sing,

he smiles his last,

And leaves our sphere

behind.

The good old year

is with the past;

Oh be the new as kind!

Oh stay, oh stay,

One parting strain,

and then away.

Q. Several years ago, you printed a piece on New Year’s Day that I thought was terrific. It was called “Golden Rules for Living.” It was simple and made so much sense. If you can find it, would you consider reprinting it? – Your Fan in Madison, Wis.

A. With pleasure. Thanks for giving us the time off.

Golden Rules for Living

by Miriam Hamilton Keare

1. If you open it, close it.

2. If you turn it on,

turn it off.

3. If you unlock it,

lock it up,

4. If you break it, admit it.

5. If you can’t fix it, call in someone who can.

6. If you borrow it, return it.

7. If you value it,

take care of it.

8. If you make

a mess, clean it up.

9. If you move it,

put it back.

10. If it belongs to someone else, get permission to use it.

11. If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone.

12. If it’s none of your business, don’t ask questions.

Dear Annie: Please tell “Nervous in Vermont,” the young man who is longing to let his family know he is a transgender male, that Vermont is extremely fortunate to have an organization, Outright Vermont, that supports LGBTQ youth. He will be able to connect with a dedicated and skilled staff, as well as with other youth who will understand what he is experiencing. Outright Vermont (outrightvt.org) is located in Burlington.

This young man also could investigate whether his school has a Gay-Straight Alliance or similar organization. He also can speak with his school or SAP counselor (if he is comfortable doing so) for support and strategies to talk with his mother. – A Vermont GSTA Adviser and SAP Counselor

Email questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.net