Changes are always good

I am just going to change gears here for a moment.  As most of you know that follow me, this has been a tumultuous year for me and my family.

A mountain of changes, and ones that were life altering.

A family member that has decided he no longer wants me in his life. I miss him, a lot…my family is very small and it was a huge loss for me.

The death of our dear friend Scott who was much too young, but through the process of Scott’s dying,  we all learned lessons that are so important!  About forgiveness, truly loving someone, knowing when enough is enough and being able to say good-bye and know that it was so right between the two of you at the end.  All lessons learned from Scott and his leaving us. We miss you Scott more than words could ever say, but we know you are healthy and happy on that other side.  We will all see you again, that is for sure! 

A marriage that almost didn’t make it after 31 years.  Talk about learning to let go of things and forgiveness….it is a daily lesson. I am grateful that we were able to survive and get strong again.  We have better communication that we ever did before.  Listening is so much more important than talking!

We also have had great joy and new gifts in our life.  A wonderful grand pup that has taught me a lot about patience and acceptance. It is amazing what animals can teach us.  It has been wonderful watching my son start and grow a relationship with this sweet dog and enjoy the happiness she brings him.  Such a simple thing, and it is wonderful to see!

This year we have also gotten to enjoy the company of  our youngest son Chris as he goes to a music engineering school on our side of town.  Having him back under our roof has been a blast!  He is going for his “dream job”….and we know sooner than later he will achieve it!

Manny, Chris and Oompa… aka “Fate of the Galaxies”

I have also started a closer relationship with Scott’s daughter, Rianna.  What a difference it has made in my life!  She is an incredibly strong young lady that has gone thru hard, hard times and came out on the other side a good strong woman!  I enjoy my time with her and hope we can spend more of it together in 2012.

(Photo taken this last Father’s Day Scott and Riana)

10 months of unemployment and no ability to get the infusions I needed for my Rheumatoid Arthritis.

So again, changes….moving slower, not going as much, being home a lot and really learning to enjoy it!  I hope I have turned this into a positive. The pain is worse, but again I have learned to slow down and “smell the roses”  so to speak! :)

I have also gotten to know me a whole lot better.  Taken a lot of time to discover who I really am, and I like myself!  I am not to loving myself, yet….but I hope to learn that lesson soon…:)

I am very thankful for all of the ups an downs we had this year and realizing as we look back that everything happened for a reason! Everything!    So as we start a New Year, my family is ready for what ever comes our way.  God’s grace is incredible!

Happy 2012 to all of you and may the year be filled with the blessings you all deserve!