Many know I have
This thing I do
Where on the last day
Before the New Year

I go through all of the
Good things that have happened
To me in the past year
And I remember how blessed
I truly am

This happens before I say
Goodbye
Farewell 2016

This year started with a great
NYE celebration
In Brooklyn
With friends

Lots of fun that was
I proceeded with different outings
And getting together with friends
As I moved more months
Inching forward in recovery

I finished writing multiple stories
And including another poetry book
I went on a treatment trip
To Israel

I got to see a great friend of mine
As did my mom
I got to really heal

Going to the Kotel
And personally thanking
HaShem for my miracle
Was the added layer of
Spiritual peace I was seeking

Going to Denver for the first time
In September and reuniting
With people I haven't seen
In 27 years
Was amazing

Plus falling in love with the city
And having an appointment
To discuss my doctorate
With the admissions counselor

Celebrating my 33rd birthday both
In Stamford and NYC with friends
Walking in the Halloween parade again
And having a marvelous time

Going out with friends for nights
In NYC to see drag queens
Meeting someone real special
In person for the first time
Getting to hug my friend
And seeing her in real life
Was a blessed experience

Having a wonderful thanksgiving
Being blessed with so much
And finally finding out
That I was fully ready to
Start my PhD

Letting the cat out of the bag
And being overwhelmed by
People's positive reactions
Love and support

Winding down this year
With only positive thoughts
That January 1st I'll be
1 year and 5 months in

Negative things happened too
But I don't dwell on those
Too much wonderful
Things cover the poor things
10 fold

So I'm blessed
Grateful beyond words
Will be in NYC for NYE
Sending this year off
With a fond goodbye

Farewell 2016
Thank you for all you helped
Me accomplish
I will finish this with my song
Of the year
Listen carefully to the words

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]