I was thinking as I lay in bed last night trying to get to sleep, that the last year has been crazy. The surgeries, the infection and of course dealing with my health insurance company, who refused to pay a large chunk of the infection expenses, that I wish 2017 had never happened!
But then, it dawned on me! I am so blessed!
It started at the very beginning of the year with all the loving family and friends who prayed for me, during the surgery and infection time. I know, if it had not been for you all, I would not have gotten through. Your calls, cards, emails and prayers gave me the strength to get through.
Then, I look at the love of my daughter, Mandy and grandchildren Savannah & Quinn, and I know that every hug and kiss and smile, giggle and joke (Savannah loves jokes!) pulled me out of depression and made me feel alive again!
Mandy, Matt, Savannah & Quinn!
A friend from Germany came for a surprise visit, and spent a week with us. Karin is such a sweet and kind woman, and I am so happy she and I have become good friends.
Even Jack’s amputation had positive things happening around it. Our family and friends were wonderful, and I learned something about myself. I learned that I truly am strong and can handle a crisis. I also learned to care for Jack in a new way, and this drew us closer together.
I was in touch with my step children. Well, not really children anymore, but this year found me reconnecting with them and their spouses and I feel really good about that!
I went to my 40th High School Reunion and had a chance to spend one evening with people I have known since Nursery School. Although not everyone in our class came, it was a fabulous turnout!
And since I was going to Falmouth for the weekend, my sister Melodie, and cousin Janet, came with me and we shared a hotel room and had one heck of a pajama party! We got to walk on the beach along the shore, visit homes where we had lived and even sat quietly soaking up the ocean air! This is something that brings all three of us great peace!
Janet, Melodie & Me!
A dear friend from the past found her way back into my life, and brought with her a husband and their first child. If you look back at entries from eleven years ago when Arnie and Anneliese were born, (December 10, click here) you will see pictures of Emily as a child. She is all grown up and back to talking and texting with me!
Since I was rather house-bound this year I did two things to prepare for Christmas. I took advantage of Amazon Prime Day and I crocheted my granddaughter a very special afghan. Thus, by the end of November all my shopping was done and I spent only one afternoon wrapping. This was truly a no stress Pre-Christmas time for me.
I spent a day in October with my cousin to go for a girls luncheon at one of our favorite restaurants. Afterward we drove around the back roads of New Hampshire enjoying the foliage!
Then in November, we had Janet and Dave up for Thanksgiving, along with Dave’s son Kevin and grandson, Isaiah. It was a wonderful day, and although I was a tad disappointed with two of the dishes I’d cooked, I think all in all, the meal was a success!
Thanksgiving!
Christmas was so wonderful this year. It was a combination of three families, who love the children, getting together and enjoying the heck out of the day. In fact I think one of the nicest things that has happened over the last few years is that my former husband and I have become friends again, so we can enjoy times with our daughter and grandchildren together. And after 10 years, Matt’s parent are now family as well.
Greta is doing fairly well. At nearly 14, Greta is comfortable due to a wonderful medication. She can’t see too well, and her hearing is going, but she is happy and snuggles with me every day. She still loves life, and that is all I ask.
Arnie and Anneliese, at 11 years old are doing very well. In fact I think Arnie is probably the healthiest of the dachshunds, as he acts rather like a puppy still. His sister, Anneliese has become friends with Lili, in fact, when Anneliese goes outside, should she disappear in our yard, I tell Lili “Go get Anneliese!” and she does, and she herds her back home. Occasionally at night, Anneliese will asked to leave our bedroom and go and sleep snuggled with Lili!
So, I am happy this year, despite the rough ride. Love has won out and as 2017 comes to a close, I feel so very blessed! As Clarence the Angel tells George Bailey in ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’,
“Dear George, Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings, Love, Clarence.”