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| George 'Buster' Singleton |
(For decades, paranormal investigator George “Buster”
Singleton published a weekly newspaper column called “Somewhere in Time.” The
column below, which was entitled “Dawn of a new year has endless
possibilities,” was originally published in the Dec. 28, 2000 edition of The
Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala. This column and all of Singleton’s other
columns are available to the public through the microfilm records at the Monroe
County Public Library in Monroeville. Singleton’s columns are presented here for
research and scholarship purposes and as part of an effort to keep his work and
memory alive. Enjoy.)
As the clock strikes midnight on the 31st day of December,
all mankind will break from the old year that has been full of mistakes, many
errors and near misses.
Strange how only one second will separate the old year that
has passed and the new year that is about to begin. Man will pass through that
short element of time that has the magic to change all things.
During the span of time that it takes to blink an eye, the
whole world – each and every one living – has the opportunity to start anew, if
they choose.
All that happened in the tired old year of 2000 will only be
a memory. Suddenly, the gates will open wide for all to seek progress and
forgiveness. We can look back on our misgivings and mistakes and, as quickly as
a thought can flash through our minds, we can decide and discipline ourselves
for better times ahead.
Try to picture what would happen if everyone alive today
chose that last second of this tired old year to change and live a better and
more fruitful life. Imagine what would happen throughout this planet within the
first few hours of the newly born year.
We would not be concerned about the fighting and killing
that is going on in Bosnia and other parts of the world. We would not be up in
arms with Sadam and his terrorist misfits. We would not be concerned about the
many tons of cocaine and other drugs that are being smuggled across our borders
on a daily basis. We would not be saddened about the many abused small children
who are mistreated every hour that we live.
The drug and alcohol users would cast aside their avenues of
death and begin to seek out ways that would benefit those in need. Those who
have abused or who are now abusing the beautiful helpless babies who can’t lift
a finger in self defense would gather up some child, any child, and hold it
close and feel all the love that is there for the asking.
Each would look deep in that same helpless child’s eyes and
see the beauty that is to be found there – a beauty that is so great that it
can be found no where else.
The oceans and airways would be filled with people going to
the ends of the earth seeking out those who are in need. Laughter would ring
from the valleys and the high places. Happiness would abound as though the
whole world was covered with a blanket of joy and togetherness.
The fields, as far as the eye could see, would be green with
corn and food that would feed the hungry. Everyone would be so wrapped up in
their work until one would be insulted if told to take the day off. All the
ugly trash and dangerous chemicals that spoil our world and the beauty of the
Creation would have disappeared.
Where once there was only filth and ugliness, there would be
beauty. Flowers and plants would cover the landscape. One would be able to
travel miles in any direction and never see anything that would mar the
landscape.
Our forests would be allowed once again to grace our
countryside. Where waste and neglect once abounded, care and beauty would arise
from the rich, fertile earth.
I know that this dream of the new year coming is a bit far
fetched. But, should you smile as you read, remember that it could and can
happen. It is within our grasp. The small, short span of time, the second that
separates the old year from the new one, holds the clue. Only our thoughts and
actions and determination will change that which we deem impossible.
As I have stated many times, I do not profess to know that
which is ahead. But I believe with all my heart that our world is fast
approaching the crossroads. The point of no return waits just over the horizon.
Are we prepared for what is ahead?
So until we meet again…
And me to part.
There are many things that
I haven’t done that well
Within my heart.
But very soon – the hour
Is near, just a breath or
Two away.
I bid farewell
Amid smiles and tears, and
Seek a better day.
I’ll cast my eyes toward
The distant skies and pray
To the Lord above.
That the coming year
Will lend an ear and seek
His wondrous love.
(Singleton, the author of the 1991 book “Of Foxfire and
Phantom Soldiers,” passed away at the age of 79 on July 19, 2007. A longtime
resident of Monroeville, he was born on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County. He is
buried in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville.)
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