The Year In Review

I know it's kind of early for this, but these thoughts are what woke me up early this morning (around 5:30) and so I guess the only way to get them out of my head is to put them down in writing.

It's been a very complex year. Ups and downs and lots of in-betweens. A lot of things happened that I'd rather didn't, but a lot of wonderful things happened as well. I have always wanted to send out one of those Christmas letters telling everyone about the great accomplishments for my year, but either I didn't have anything to write about, or I just didn't take the time to do it. So, instead I offer this reflection on 2009:

I started the year just out of surgery (RNY Gastric Bypass on 12/19/08) and so I was at home recouperating and not eating anything other than liquids. Last Christmas was very different for me because I couldn't eat a thing - just smell the wonderful smells and dream about them. But, I know that I did the right thing in having the surgery when I did. It all worked out for me and I'm down 168 pounds now. It really is "A whole new world" for me!

Later in January is when the news came that I would be losing my job by the end of the year. Our jobs were being sent to India. The saddest part of that day was finding out that some of my co-workers were let go that day, never to return. Some were given a date of October 2 and the remainder of us were given a date of December 18. I had thought that given 11 months I would find something else after 31+ years of service to Target, but that was not meant to be. And so as of last Friday, I am unemployed (but hopeful).

The year 2009 brought with it many deaths in my close circle of friends and family. First one of my best friend's, Nona, lost her husband and I lost a dear friend when Byron passed away in February. My dear friend Sandy lost her mother "June Bug". Later in the year my friend Linda lost her battle with cancer as did my Uncle Wayne and my friend Connie's sister Grace. We also lost family friends Gordy and Bev, a husband and wife who passed away within weeks of each other. My brother-in-law's mother Paula also passed away. A co-worker's father passed away. It was a bad year in that sense but they will all be remembered forever.

Cancer. I hate cancer. It enters a person's body and invades their life. Several friends/family were diagnosed with various forms of cancer in 2009. My friends Terry and Yvonne, my sister Trish, one co-worker's sister and another's mother-in-law. Several friends and family that had been previously diagnosed continued their battles including my sister Sandy, my dear friend Nona, my pastor/friend John and my Uncle Bernard. Many of my family members participated in the "Relay For Life" in Delano, MN this last July to help raise money and awareness of cancer. We had a great time and plan to do it again this year. In the meantime, constant prayers are sent up for those battling this terrible disease.

It wasn't all bad - there were a lot of wonderful times in 2009! My daughter Chelsea and her boyfriend Chris came to MN for a visit in February (yes, February). Chris got to walk on water across our frozen lakes. They came back again in September (no walking on water that trip). I was fortunate enough to be able to go to Seattle to visit them and meet Chris' son Mally, along with a bunch of their friends in October. We had a great time and I intend to go back when there isn't as much rain!! Chelsea is really keeping herself busy! She is enrolled at the University of Washington and she continues to serve several families as a Nanny, a private chef for one person and occassionally acts as a server at a local restaurant. All this while maintaining a family life with Chris and Mally! She wears me out, but I am so proud of her I could burst!

In September I had the opportunity to go on a road trip with my sister JoElla to visit my brother Rick and his wife Roxi in Indiana. I had been awarded $500 in books to donate to a school of my choice, and I chose the school that Roxi has taught at for many years. While I was in town I was able to meet the Principal and a couple of students who would benefit from the new books being added to their library. I also made friends with Bayleigh, Bitsy and Mousse (their dogs and cat).

My sisters and I had our annual "Sister's Weekend" in October. We had a great time revisiting a resort we had stayed at previously. However, the bad part was our sister Sandy was unable to be with us. She had just had a procedure on a cancerous tumor and didn't feel up to joining us. She was with us in spirit and we made several calls to her to make sure she didn't miss out on the fun! Hoping that next year she will feel better and can join us.

And finally, we added a new member to our large and ever growing family! My nephew Collin and his wife Krista gave birth to Colton in September! I was able to meet him over the Thanksgiving weekend. He is adorable and a great addition to our family. The love just continues to grow in my family!!

It's been a long year, sometimes exhausting and at times exciting. Emotional, thought provoking and requiring a lot of reflection. When you live it day-by-day, you seem to just go through it, however if you look back on all that has taken place, it's amazing to me that it's all been done in just one year.

I wish each and every one of you (and those who don't read this) a very blessed and eventful new year. As you go through what you will go through, I wish you joy, strength when necessary and much love!! Let's hope 2010 has more ups than downs! God Bless!