I don't usually do this but I would like to ask you to read someone else's blog this time:

http://theholywannabe.blogspot.com/2012/01/sobering-start-to-new-year.html

This is a dear friend of mine (yes I even scored a shout out in this post) and she wrote so eloquently on about the very thing I was going to say that I figured I would share what she wrote with you.

The bottom line is, our friends are literally in the fight for their lives and we are humbly asking for your prayers and if you are able to help in any way, for your help. 

Please read the post: http://theholywannabe.blogspot.com/2012/01/sobering-start-to-new-year.html   
and prayerfully consider if you are willing and able to show Christ's love to this family.

Happy New Year.  May 2012 find you experiencing peace and joy and counting your blessings. 

After reading this post http://theholywannabe.blogspot.com/2012/01/sobering-start-to-new-year.html   you may find this prayer helpful:

Novena Prayer to Bl. John Paul II

O Blessed Trinity
We thank You for having graced the Church
with Pope John Paul II
and for allowing the tenderness of your Fatherly care,
the glory of the cross of Christ,
and the splendor of the Holy Spirit,
to shine through him.
Trusting fully in Your infinite mercy
and in the maternal intercession of Mary,
he has given us a living image of Jesus the Good Shepherd,
and has shown us that holiness
is the necessary measure of ordinary Christian life
and is the way of achieving eternal communion with you.
Grant us, by his intercession, and according to Your will,
the graces we implore,
hoping that he will soon be numbered
among your saints.
Amen.