The diner was a mixture of updated and archaic, TV’s new, wall art old. An updated POS terminal juxtaposing the faded, chipped coffee cups. Shifting my weight from one hip to the other, the split vinyl bench made a crackling protest.

My friend David and I conversed about a great many topics. I enjoyed my half waffle, sausage, and eggs. It was nice to see that they put my special back on the menu. During a previous visit this same order was unavailable. I lied to the ego, saying it returned to the menu because my lobbying efforts were successful. In the very unlikely event that I had anything to do with its return, and because I had the same waitress which I previously requested to represent my grievance to the cook, I felt obligated to order this particular special despite desiring something else that morning. Was I conceited to think she would remember me? After all, I was well mannered during the exchange.  

I couldn’t help but notice 2021 sitting in a booth against the wall. He was alone, facing away from the street, visage in shadow. The grey and blue newsboy cap was pulled low to his eyebrows, the heavy jacket was up to his jawline. There was a sad determination scribed deep into his face and his posture was that of a man carrying a heavy load.

I wondered what he was thinking about, where he had been, what he had done. What tragedies befell; what triumphs balanced his scales? I imagined someone talking to him over and over about the same things. There was a hint of boredom in his mannerisms.

He seemed conflicted, as if many hierarchical structures and values were uprooted, supplanted, and hydrated by a flow of divisiveness. There was still a hospital band around his wrist, a Glock peaking out from his jacket, and he smelled of a structure fire.

He finished his meal and departed. My conversation continued as did the refills of coffee. I impaled some sausage and waffle together, enjoying the sweet and savory combination. When I looked up, the booth against the wall was occupied again.  

2022 sat on the other side of the booth facing where 2021 was previously seated. Light from the window caressed her youthful face and seemed to brighten the place setting. Even the waitress seemed to be in better spirits as they communicated. She wore trendy clothes accented with a nice scarf, designer glasses, fresh manicure, and an air of superiority. No year has been as technologically advanced, environmentally conscious, business savvy, philanthropic, or social justice oriented as she.

I finished my meal, paid, and left. As I drove to my next destination, the winds of change pushed the final leaves from the trees, air currents swirled them and held them aloft. There was beauty and hope; then a flock of trash gulls took flight from the landfill up the hill. Remind me again why PA is taking trash from other states?

I finished a few more errands and got home in time to see the boys off the bus. We went out to get some coffee from a local business and then to the library. Our access to information is unprecedented but it seems that knowledge is guarded and wisdom achieved by relative few. It felt like the same stories were the headlines for all of 2021. We were fixated on the few things that were selling advertisement slots. We already knew which channel or paper would quote which side of any narrative. Why did we bother looking?

On New Years Eve I like to look back at the world in review. Every year that task becomes more difficult. I search news sites outside of the USA, I adjust browser settings for different regions, and continually alter the query. I imagine someone at my ISP hiding things from me but I know it’s search engine algorithms. Only partial articles are shown on legacy media sites. It’s as if Mark Zuckerberg is grooming me to be trafficked in the Metaverse.

Where are the truth tellers and fact finders?! (Actual facts not opinions passed as such.) Who’s speaking out for orphans, widows, immigrants, refugees, victims of disasters? Oh, they’re out there but it’s best not to speak of the good that people do. News is all about death and disaster. If I didn’t look outside my window and talk to my neighbors I’d be in a constant state of panic and depression. I have digital devices that show me headlines… it’s been Omicron for weeks now. Is nothing going on besides the virus, celebrities, and sports?

Refugees are trapped between countries with no food and no one wants them. ONE ship blocked international trade for six days leaving 450 ships stuck. Russia moved troops toward the Ukraine, shut down human rights groups, and tested weapons.

China had over 55 space launches in 2021, the highest in the world. They’re making a move to reclaim Taiwan, testing hypersonic missiles, testing mind control weaponry, and building their nuclear arsenal faster than expected. Despite only having 350 warheads in comparison to the US’s 5,500, Russia still has 90% of the world’s nukes. And you guys are worried about a little virus?

It’s been a crazy year with groups fighting for recognition, rights, and working for equality. The number one story I’ve encountered about 2021 other than COVID is the incident at the US Capitol in January. It was a big deal, yes, but not of the magnitude of other world events. Also, will people stop saying it was a threat to our very democracy. We’re a republic.

We have the first female Vice President in US history. The first Jamaican-American, female Vice President was elected and because of the social climate, wasn’t celebrated as a woman. It just seems like 2021 has been a giant step backward in gender equality. By trying to define gender outside of biology we have allowed men to be crowned record holders in female sports. This is a tragedy.

We gave away Afghanistan. It was an unwinnable “conflict” but we exited in way that caused significant harm. The twenty years invested in the country was not a waste to the many who were provided a sense of freedom and given an education during the respite from Taliban rule. No good deed goes unpunished?

The Steele dossier was proven a fabrication. I wish more people would bring this up. It’s still unfolding now but it was so critical in the defamation of Trump during his time as sitting US president. It cuts me to the core how pervasive the dishonesty is at the highest levels of government. How far will the investigation go?

Ghislaine Maxwell was found guilty of 5 of the 6 charges she faced for the grooming and sex trafficking of minors with Jeffery Epstein. How far will the investigation go? These connections run deep and wide, don’t stop.

I don’t think the sky is falling, I know it is. But it’s ok. All things come to an end. It’s your journey there that matters. We all have a lot to be thankful for. Even when things are at their worst, the right perspective can keep you sane.

If you’re struggling tonight, reach out. Let someone know. They may be able to help you with perspective. It can and does get better. The things you’re going/have gone through take time to analyze, assimilate, and utilize appropriately.

Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one or just the passage of time, know that it’s a normal part of life. A great warrior once told me, “It’s ok to be sad.”

It’s ok to be happy too. Don’t ever apologize for your joy. Your friends may be going through a tough time but you don’t have to hide your happiness or success, just don’t rub it in their face. Spread the wealth. Give a hug or a smile, just be there, and LISTEN.

I love you guys. Sure, I don’t know many of you personally but I don’t have to. Thanks for reading and supporting Mental Grenade over the last two years. I’m EXCITED about year three. Expect great things. If you don’t see what you want, please send me an email: drew@mentalgrenade.com

Hello 2022.

-Drew OUT!