The spontaneous gathering of people was quiet, respectful and patient as the hearse finally came by.

I along with all the people, had never met President Ford, but the quiet conversations as we stood in the cold waiting for the procession said it all.

When I suddenly sneezed, even the grim faced Police Officer guarding the route smiled and said a big “God Bless You”.

Then there was the other President. Hated in life, one could hear the taunts as he was taken up to the gallows to be hanged.

My own family, Assyrian Christians, along with millions of other Iraqis suffered his torture, and live to the day with the memories or the over 1 million people he killed.

Saddam Hussein, died the way he had lived – violently and alone.

Two presidents - A continent apart. The contrast could not have been greater.

The New Year brings a chance to start again, to go back to the “starting block”.

As I pondered the “Tale of Two Presidents” and listened to the contrasting eulogies the reminder was stark.

Imagine the sadness of living your whole life, only to be taunted at your death and buried in silence with nobody’s regret.

Imagine the joy of ending your life surrounded with those you love and the love of those you didn’t even know, to an eternity planned.

Life is full of choices. Nobody forced Saddam Hussein to live a life of terror, blood and hate.

Nobody forced Gerald R. Ford to live a life of quiet public service, kindness and care.

As the New Year begins it is a time to make good choices, change those that may have been made wrongly, adjusting those that can, and remembering that what counts is not what you accomplish, but how you live.

My father always said to me “Few people ‘end well - strive to “end well”

What a challenge for the New Year!

Live your life, make the decisions that you make and plan for only one thing – to ‘end well.”

Gerald R. Ford, “ended well”. Saddam Hussein, did not.

“End well”, by living well and you will hear those special words, “well done, my servant”

Ken Joseph Jr., is an Author, commentator and speaker. His most recent book, “Who Lost Iraq”, will be out in the spring. His website is: www.kenjoseph.com