When it's all said and done....

2005 has been a remarkable year in so many ways.

As a nation, we have:

Watched the horror of almost 1/4 million people rush into eternity from the death-wielding power of the tsunami in Asia.

Watched several million people become homeless (though temporarily for many) on our own shores here with Hurricane Katrina--who didn't bother discriminating on racial, economic, religious, or educational terms.

Watched the face of the United States Supreme Court change: Welcoming our new Chief Justice John Roberts, bidding a very sad adieu to the late Chief Justice William Rehnquist, and the soon-to-be retirement of the first lady to ever don the robes of the Nation's highest judiciary, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Watched the indictment of Lewis "Scooter" Libby, the Chief of Staff for the Vice President of the United States on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.

Mourned the death of Peter Jennings--one of the truly great journalists and news anchors of my lifetime.

Mourned the death of Pope John Paul II--one of the truly marvelous religious and political figures of my life time.

Watched the selection and coronation of Pope Benedict XVI-- God's "rottweiler" has now become the German Shepherd. And time will tell...indeed.

Mourned the death of more than 2000 uniformed service personnel who have answered the call of the Commander in Chief--whether rightly or wrongly.

Celebrated the CHICAGO WHITE SOX as the 2005 World Series Champions in Baseball--the first time in 88 years!

It's been quite a year. And when it's all said and done, what will all this mean to us?

Time will tell, I'm sure.