Letter from the editor

My dear friends, this is our last issue of the year and we are saying goodbye to 2014. Naturally, it is time to reflect on a year that that has had so many ups and downs, so much joy and sorrow, deaths but also births who remind us of having faith and being strong so we can keep on going!

December is a month of celebration, parties and gifts for most people, but for some, this time of the year brings painful memories, sadness, depression and loneliness. I strongly believe this time is for sharing, helping and respecting one another. Many believe Christmas is about the gifts and parties but is it the complete opposite. This is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Nowadays, the true meaning of Christmas is getting lost. We simply focus on how many presents we can buy or get. It is time to ask ourselves: Have we really taught our children the real meaning behind Christmas? Gifts are just material things that come and go. What really matters are family values, traditions and honoring our roots and carry on their legacy with our children. Spending time as a family is very important. So, my friends, please be kind to those who may not have the same blessings you do. Sharing from the bottom of your heart is really what Christmas is all about.
This year has had many events that have had a huge impact in our lives. Life seems to get more complicated and competitive. I firmly believe life should be kept as simple as possible; we should live in the moment and focus on the most important: family. This December, take some time to make a recount on your successes and failures, acknowledge when you have hurt others and ask for forgiveness, and if you were the one who needs to forgive, open your heart and forgive. After all, we are all human and we make mistakes.
I am glad to share some news regarding immigration: our President Barack Obama has signed an executive action granting rights to millions of people whose immigration status was at stake. While this action certainly brings hope to millions and their families, please be aware it will still take time to get your status changed. Please, do NOT do anything yet; get your documents in order by mid-February of 2015. You can get further information from us and other reliable mediums or with the consulate in your city.
We are deeply grateful to you, our readers, for staying with us throughout all this time. Thank you, dear customers for trusting us. At last (but not least) thanks to all of the contributors and staff in Sonora and Arizona for all your hard work! You guys are like family. Without you, we would have never made it to our tenth anniversary!
I wish you a very merry Christmas full of joy, love, peace, health and blessings for you and your family. I wish you a happy and very full filling new year.
Let’s Welcome 2015!

Alma R. Gallardo
Director/Editor
The Arizona Bilingual Newspaper
alma@ newsazb.com
(520) 406-4947