“Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans,” is one of my cousin Larry’s favorite quotes. Author and cartoonist Allen Saunders first penned the saying in 1957. Later, John Lennon tweaked it a bit for his 1980 song, “Beautiful Boy.”

Our family has had our fair share of unexpected twists and turns, so Larry has had good reason to use this particular nugget of wisdom often over the years.

The Yiddish proverb, “Man plans; God laughs,” is equally apropos at times, although I reject the notion that the Lord laughs at our misfortunes.

This year, I experienced the unexpected, which is one of the reasons that I started a blog only to temporary abandon it.

But, for better or worse, I’m back!

My hiatus taught me many things. Some of these lessons were pretty tough. Others were remarkably pleasant. The loyalty of my friends falls into the latter category.

My college friend, Kathy, was my most faithful pen pal during this time. She’s a busy woman, running her own pet-sitting business while also living and working her dream-made-reality as a professional musician. She also teaches clarinet to some lucky students in Atlanta.

Each card and letter she sent was cross between a lifeline and a Christmas present. And now it’s early September, which is about the time 32 years ago that we became friends. I wish I could pinpoint the date so I could send her a card every year thanking her for the gift of her friendship.

I treasure Kathy and my other friends who shared my journey from afar and have welcomed me back with open arms.

And now it’s September, a time of year I usually wring my hands and lament being late (or completely absent) for self-imposed deadlines, milestones and short- and long-term goals set early in the year.

But not this year.

So far in 2015, I’ve experienced life in all it’s absurdity, wonder, pain and joy. And I don’t think I would change a thing even if I could.

I figure I’m one of the last persons on the planet to give “life advice,” to anyone. As a wordsmith, PR officer and marketer, I have plenty to offer, so I’ll stick to that. But, if there’s anyone out there who may be tempted to wring his or her hands: Let’s make it a great September!

Thanks for reading.