Year End Reflections

As 2013 winds, most people reflect over the past year, reviewing ups and downs, and making plans and vows to change what can be changed for the better. As a rule, I don't make resolutions because I never keep them. But, like a lot of others, I do look back over the past year.

We entered a new phase of life again this year, one not revolving around hospitals and doctors. Yes, we still have doctor visits, but we are back in our own home. From a 2200 sq ft house to a 900 sq ft condo and then back to the house was quite a change. The condo was so easy to keep up with, especially with crazy schedules, but there was really no place to be alone, and if there was company, it was quite crowded. It's easier to find a place alone in the house, but it's also so much harder to keep up. I guess that's the good with the bad.

We lost a daughter-in-law (legally anyway) and gained another. We also gained 2 great granddaughters. We've spent time with children and grandchildren and friends that we missed so much while we were gone. There is more family that we haven't seen, but a year is really a short period of time.

We've both learned to just live and let be. Sometimes it's hard not to control things all the time. But, others do need to complete things on their own, for their own good. That doesn't make it any easier, but at least the concept is understood.

While Bill's health has stabilized, mine seems to have gotten worse. I don't know if it is everything catching up with me, or what, but I seem to have been sick more lately and can't shake things off as easily. This really disturbs me, especially since Bill still isn't able to care for himself as far as his medications go. So, this is something that will have to be addressed in the next year.

Still, we've been blessed to still have each other and our families, our financial life is secure, and we have wonderful friends.

Looking forward to next year, we will get a new grandchild and Bill will be 2 years out from his transplant.

So, looking back we have been blessed, and we look forward with anticipation of the blessings yet to come. Happy New Year!