Happy New Year to all. This column is short as I’m still back in 2022, and my father passed away mid-September after battling dementia for five-plus years, including two in memory care. I finally got Covid, and once better, drove down to Bentonville, California, where I am commuting back and forth. There’s a lot going on in my life and I’m trying to deal with it, even when it’s tough. Would love for you to share your stories—whether it’s great or heartbreaking—and know that our ’89 Cares team is available for all classmates. I’ve used it and it’s helped immensely. Keep connecting with classmates, family and other loved ones—and I’ll try to keep connecting with all of you.

—Ned Ward, 2104 Graham Ave., #B, Redondo Beach, CA 90278; ned@nedorama.com