From the editor — February 2015

I know a man who is quite simply admirable. He built his own house, raised a family in it and could fill it with music. He worked honestly, was an inventor and became a tradesman in more ways than one. Regardless of age, he always keeps a youthful spirit and drive. He is one of the rare people whom I love for simple goodness and agreeability. Or, at least, he was. You see, he became discouraged with recent events in his life and decided to expedite his journey to the next world and whatever awaited him there.

Now, this may seem like a inappropriately depressing thing to mention as the cover of this month’s issue and much of its content relates to love, relationships and, specifically, Valentine’s Day. But this is actually fitting because my point is how much people can mean to each other and how important it is to be there for one another.

As Editor-in-Chief, I am periodically contacted by someone who has a concern or plight to share. Sometimes, these conversations, whether in person or in writing, lead to content ideas for the Harbinger. But often, they are simply opportunities to vocalize and process the dilemmas that are often weighing on everyday people, and I don’t mind having them; in fact, I find them very satisfying.

There are plenty of things in life that can bring down our spirits, and we should remember that even the people who we may think of as the “strong” ones can fall into the blue shades of life. Sometimes, though, all it takes to keep us going is to feel that we are truly not alone – to be taken by the hand and reminded of the best things in the world, lest the world get the best of us.

As you flip through the pages of this issue and read about love and relationships, think not just about romance. Think about the people who you truly want to keep in your life, and then consider taking the time to let them know how much they mean to you. You never know how they feel at that moment, and your attention might just pull them from the fingers of a negative outlook.