I have sadly, over the past
few months, been unable to maintain my blog as I would have wanted to. I have
also been unable to respond to the numerous comments and mails I have received
via the blog. For that I apologise. I will, however, get through all of them in
the next couple of days. Those comments that are aimed to finding out if I am
still okay, although highly appreciated, will not be posted – not because they
hold no value but because they are personal in nature.
I would like to make use of
this opportunity to wish each and every visitor to the blog a blessed festive
season. To those who celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, I wish you and
your families a blessed, happy and joyous festive season.
To my many Muslim friends
as well as those friends who do not celebrate Christmas for whatever reason, I
wish you a time of peace and joy with your families and friends.
To everyone who is far from home over this
time, and to those who are deployed in the conflict zones around the world,
beit as soldiers, sailors, airmen, law enforcement officers, spooks or PMC
contractors, keep your heads down, your eyes peeled, your weapons close at hand
and be ready to do what needs to be done.
As another hectic year
filled with adrenalin rushes, expectations, waiting, laughter, happiness,
satisfaction, blood, sweat and tears winds down, let us also remember those who
will not be able to be with those they hold dear. They should never be
forgotten. Nor should the sacrifices they have made ever be forgotten.
Thank you to everyone who took time to read
and contribute to the blog throughout the year. Your comments are always
appreciated and highly valued and continue to allow me to broaden my own
knowledge.
Finally, I would also like to wish each and
every one of you – and your loved ones - a great 2013. May the coming year be
filled with good health, happiness and safety.