What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?"Harlem" by Langston Hughes
This has been a very difficult year for me. There have been several bright spots. However, I cannot say that I'm sad to see this year end. I'm crossing this finish line more tired than I began, more bruised, more worn, and more vulnerable than I've been in a long time. Through it all I've been reminded of some valuable lessons.