LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - It feels like we are in limbo, holding on to the memories of 2012 while eagerly anticipating the new adventures that 2013 will bring.

If you think about it, 2012 was filled with doom from start to finish, but when all was said and done, we survived! Yes, that interesting year that the Mayas wrote about had finally come. Would their calendar predict the great zombie apocalypse, a term I'm sure you heard at least once this year?

But zombies and the end of the world weren't the only trending topics. We also explored the growing popularity of Pinterest, the repurposing trend, how Mississippians had been cast on almost every reality show on television in 2012 for some reason. We looked at nail art, geek chic style, the reemerging owl motif, the evolution of the sock monkey and that mischievous Elf on the Shelf.

Despite the bad times we need to be reminded that there is still good in the world.

As we look back on 2012 we see much grief, tragedy and uncertainty. The past few months have brought about great heartache around the world, from Hurricane Sandy to the most recent tragedy in Connecticut, where so many young innocent lives were stolen. All of which make us fear what the next year will bring.

However, we cannot forget that these tragedies resulted in many inspiring and life changing moments in our country as well. Thousands of people dedicated countless hours helping those in need after Hurricane Sandy. A New York City police officer gave a homeless man a pair of boots on the street. Catholic Match stated it best, "for every act of violence and for every example of hatred, we find instances of unconditional love for one another."

For every act of violence and for every example of hatred, we find instances of unconditional love for one another. While our newscasts flash images of death and destruction, remember that behind these tragedies lies moments that restore our faith in humanity.

Hope 2012 was kind to you. As we  welcome the New Year, let's say thanks to 2012 for all the moments and the memories. Armed with more lessons in life and love, let's go for the win in 2013!

© 2012, Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.