While cleaning out my email inbox, I came across something I had mailed to myself and saved from almost 2 years ago. It was my response to Clay’s blog on that dark day when we learned that evil people were spreading lies about him and making a mockery of all he stood for. It was actually my second response to the blog since I did not understand at first a reference he made when he first posted it.

I wrote:

“Clay, like some others who have posted here, I don't usually post more than once. But this time is different. I understand so much more now than I did when I first read your blog.

I don't understand the vileness of some people in this world. Oh, I continue to encounter it, but I do not understand it.

You are blessed, Clay, and we love you greatly, more than you can understand, more than even WE can understand. We feel such a connection to you that your wounds are ours.

I don't know why. I don't understand, but I accept it.

Please accept this humble offering of love from us, and understand that we are here for you, always and forever.

I'm crying now, and I'm not sure whether it's for you or for me. We will get through this one, you and all of us, together.

Forever.

A heart full of love and admiration for you, I remain your devoted fan, Marilyn”

When I read this piece again this morning, I nearly cried again; reading it made the emotion as real now as it was then. But the circumstances are not the same today, not at all the same. Now, more than ever, we know who he is.

Today, as the new year approaches, we have much to celebrate. Clay has completed two successful tours this year, he is in good health, he was the sole musical guest on a wonderful ice skating show that aired on Christmas Day, and he is making a mark in the world by serving as a UNICEF ambassador.

In every way, he challenges us to be better than we are.

For that I am grateful. And my new year’s resolution is to continue trying to achieve that greatness of soul that he so exemplifies.

That, and to go see Spamalot!

Happy New Year, Clay Nation. Live long and prosper!