The castle looked lovely with the candles, the silverware and the bouquets of flowers, but the sisters all knew that the King was indeed a special King when they noticed a special additional seating arrangement. Near the center of the room, so nothing would be missed, a pile of the loveliest, softest pillows were arranged. Princess Joan and Princess Sheri, the newest of the punctured princesses, were carried in and lovingly placed upon the pillows by the sweetest handmaidens in the Land. They were the center of attention as the other sisters came by to get and give hugs. Just when the evening was at it funnest and the laughter and the hugging was at its best, the King stepped up to the microphone and cleared his throat.
Tonight is a special night.
Together we meet to welcome the changing of the calendars. Together we meet to greet a new year. The new year is a glorious blank slate of possibilities. My desire for each of you is to live to your potential, be healthy and whole, and to enjoy the relationships that are around you to the fullest. I wanted to see all your faces tonight and remind you to smile at your future.