Bye to 2024: A Year of Unforgettable Moments

As the clock ticks toward midnight, we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the promise of 2025. While parts of the world, like New Zealand, are already celebrating the New Year, my prayer is that you and your family safely cross into the year ahead, blessed and hopeful.  

A Year of Political Dramas  

2024 was a whirlwind, particularly on the political stage. Globally, over 50 nations went to the polls to elect new leaders. In the United States, it was a déjà vu election as Donald Trump reclaimed the presidency, defeating Kamala Harris, who stepped in for Joe Biden during a dramatic turn of events in August. Biden, despite initially declaring he wouldn’t step aside, eventually ceded the race, leaving his Vice President to campaign fervently for 100 days.  

The campaign season was not without drama. A chilling moment unfolded in Butler, Pennsylvania, when Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by a lone gunman during a rally. It was a surreal and unsettling experience for many Americans, underscoring the deep divisions and tensions in the nation.  

Global Highlights  

On the international stage, the Olympic Games drew widespread attention, showcasing both extraordinary athletic achievements and unexpected moments that captured the world’s imagination.  

In France, the Notre Dame Cathedral reopened to much fanfare after years of restoration following the devastating 2019 fire. As a Catholic, this was a particularly touching moment, symbolizing resilience and renewal.  

Tragedy and Shocking Events  

Not all headlines brought joy. Just weeks ago, Brian Thompson, a prominent health insurance CEO, was murdered in broad daylight in Midtown Manhattan. Even more shocking was a poll revealing that over 40% of young adults in the assailant’s (Mr. Mangione's) age group viewed the act as justifiable—a chilling reflection of societal discontent.  

On Personal Reflections  

On a personal note, 2024 was a year of growth and lessons. I concluded a travel  assignment at Yale, began a new journey on Long Island, where  I worked in hospitals like LICH, North and South Shore University Hospital, Mather, Huntington, Staten Island, Lenox Hills, and gained invaluable experiences. However, not all my ventures were successful--I made some poor investments in companies like Super Micro Computers and SolarEdge, learning hard lessons about the volatility of the market.  

Bitcoin, surprisingly, soared past $100,000 this year. Despite its growing prominence, many, myself included, still find it baffling and question its legitimacy. Perhaps 2025 will bring more clarity on this digital frontier.  

Looking Ahead  

As we close the chapter on this strange and eventful year, I am reminded of the resilience and adaptability we must carry forward. The highs and lows of 2024 leave us with lessons, challenges, and moments to treasure.  

What were your standout moments of 2024? Let’s share and reflect as we step boldly into 2025.  

Off to work and see you later!

Your friend always,  

Ronnie Law