GOODBYE 2009BEST FRIENDS FOR 30 YEARS
THE JOY OF A LITTLE ONE TO BOND A WONDERFUL FAMILY EVEN FURTHER
ALL OF MY WONDERFUL FAMILY
Goodbye 2009! Welcome 2010, a New Year, a new decade. I've heard so many resounds of "good riddance to 2009". That doesn't reflect my sentiments at all. 2009 was a year filled with so many good and wonderful things.....and lots of personal growth for myself and many of the people I love.
Of course there is ALWAYS Evelyn. She has brought so much delight to this family. She has bonded us even more. She is the center
of our stage whenever we are all together. It has been wonderful watching her grow and mark so many milestones. She is surrounded with the love of so many people. We can't help but to remember to be grateful for the decision her birth mother Amber made and the gift she gave to Lara and Brian and all the rest of us.
My new knee, though an unexpected gift and further proof that "things happen for a reason" and "I am always where I am supposed to be, "especially when I can remember to be in the moment, a huge blessing it was and is. From that surgery came six months of having Ann in our home. Tom and I both loved having her. With her came Telly(her dog) and he too was a blessing. He taught me how to be a "Dog Whisperer" and he helped confirm the fact that neither Tom or I want the responsibility of a dog. We have been tempted in the past, but now have moved beyond that tempting notion. Thank you Telly!
Ann's temporary move to McMillan to help me recover from surgery brought with it new insight for her. She had enough distance and time to do some reflecting and to move out of a long term relationship that just wasn't the right fit. With support of family and her many friends she has made that break and is moving on with her life. Back in her own home, finally making it "hers". She has grown so much and handled so many difficult times with grace and unbelievable patience, embracing the belief, "I'm right where I need to be."
And here we are again, in Naples. Another respite from the Michigan winter. Both of us feeling so fortunate for this time.
I have taken from this poor economic climate, lessons that I needed to learn. I have more honestly viewed my own consumptive behavior and am pulling in the reigns. I look at my house, filled with things I do not use, do not need, and really do not want. I have slowly begun paring down, giving away. And truly, I am buying less. Believe me that is a change. I was the consummate shopper. Put me in any store, just once and the layout is forever imprinted in my brain. Now I just enjoy looking at fliers, and perusing the aisles, but I can actually leave without a purchase. Well, that isn't totally honest....there is still the Costco thing to deal with! What is that about?
I would be negligent to not mention my gratitude for my friends. Especially Kathy McDonald. We have a connection that has bridged thirty + years. Through that time we have been true soul mates. I teach her, she teaches me. We bring much laughter and joy to each other's lives. Friendship is one of God's biggest blessings.
To all of you, my friends, my family who read this, I leave you with this thought: "If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you." ---Winnie the Pooh
Until next time......Always,
Kathleen
