We joyfully welcomed two new family members this year. First, beautiful granddaughter “Angel” and second, a Toad named Buntah. A third small child has entered my life, and although he is not my own, he is a blessing and a joy. Raylin completed her phlebotomy program. Piper began her Junior year – this is a good thing, bad thing. One of the most unique experiences of my life happened this year, my first train ride. You can read about it in my June archive. I was blessed to visit my older kids twice this year. Piper had a most engaging, most memorable camping trip on the coast this year – something she’ll remember the rest of her life. We also braved a shuttle bus to the coast once this year – would have done it more frequently but the transportation issues are way too unreliable.
On this still and quiet night, I am grateful for small and silly things, also the major and profound. Silly, but I’m grateful to have buds, the promise of blossoms on my orange tree. I am grateful our little preemie baby is thriving. I am grateful for all of my grandchildren! I am grateful for grown children who are good and loving parents. And even though my two oldest daughters are a whole continent away now, I am grateful they are safe, warm, dry and moving forward with their lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to know my son-in-law better, I really like him. I am grateful I was reunited for a short time with a son-in-law I loved and have missed very much. I am grateful to still have Ginger with us – she is showing signs of aging, but I’m so happy she is hanging in there. I am grateful for my cell phone and for Skype. I am grateful for the sound of my Sweethearts voice. I am grateful for my computer, my laptop and to finally have this blog/website up and running. I am grateful to have a camera once again. I am grateful for the strong relationships I have with my children and for the relationships they have with each other. I am grateful for their courage and I am grateful for the “No Drama Zone” Piper and I have created for ourselves in our home. I am grateful every single day when she returns safely home that she has returned safely. I am grateful for our friends who are willing to help when needed. I’m not too happy with my fluctuating weight but I am happy I can hear, see, taste, smell, feel and have full use of my limbs and digits. I am grateful for Piper’s sense of humor. I am so grateful for the time I had with Don before he passed away this year. He was a good and loving man, the kind who leaves a legacy of love and grace – as well as a great big hole in your heart when he’s gone. I am grateful for all our friends. I am grateful for the memory of my children and grandchildren’s laughter.
And I am grateful for a New Year and a chance to do better.