The first report of the year is always bittersweet for me, because while it is a time of optimism and new beginnings, I need to acknowledge that it was this time of year that Bear-the original roving reporter-took his walk over the rainbow bridge. I never knew Bear, but in reading his reports, it was clear that he and HC shared a lot of time together and were very close. So, it’s understandable that he is a bit melancholy right now, even though it will be four years without Bear. I was not around to see the relationship they had, and I never fully understood the sadness and feelings of loss my HC was experiencing … until now.