Reflecting on 2008

2008 was a tough year for my family. I'm happy to say hello to 2009. I'm hoping it will be better. Over the course of the year we lost Irene, my mother-in-law, 6 months after being diagnosed with cancer. This was 2 weeks after a good friend lost her Mother-in-law. A month later my brother had another open heart surgery with a long and difficult recovery. My son, two uncles and my father had surgery. Not good odds if you are a male in this family. My mom had to battle pneumonia again.
We did have some good times too. 3 families, all good friends added children to their families. It has been an honor to watch these babies grow, meet milestones and be a part of their lives. I love spending time with each of them. They are part of what made 2008 bearable.
We went on a wonderful family vacation to South Dakota. We learned a lot about another state and had some wonderful family time.
The kids continue to do well in school without the anxiety and sleep problems we had in early 2008. They were dealing with a lot with grandma Irene being so ill but because of loving family and terrific friends they have done very well. We are blessed with an amazing Church family. They also helped make 2008 bearable.
I realize others probably had a worse year than we did but still, I'm looking forward to 2009. One of my favorite babies has already reached his first birthday. The other 3 will soon reach theirs.
We are planning a trip to Cozumel Mexico in May for my cousins wedding. The kids get to be a part of the wedding. It is beginning to look like a wonderful family reunion.
I am praying for a surgery free year and a healthy year for all. I am so thankful for the special friends that helped us through this past year. With out them it would have been much more difficult. It is amazing how God puts people in our lives. At the time you are just happy to get to know them but then there are days when you know why they came into you life.
So Hello 2009. I'm ready for you.