2009

Looking at the pictures on our blog from the past year, it looks like we had a wonderful care-free year. The pictures on my cellphone tell a different story: at Starbucks with Hannah on the way to my Pake's (grandpa's) funeral in March, staples in Nathan's head from a fall in May, a puzzle we completed in the waiting room of the CCU at the hospital while visiting my mother-in-law after her cardiac arrest in June, the 2nd degree burn on my arm, back, and shoulder in November...

I spent more time grieving this year for those who have died, and for those who were diagnosed with cancer (for a first or second time). I also wept the last time I saw my maternal grandparents because of the progression of my grandpa's Parkinson's and my grandma's dementia. My grandpa went through a lot last year, and was the subject of many tear-filled prayers. I hope we'll be able to see them again this April.

Of course, we have much to be thankful for--we are happy that my Pake is in a better place and is finally free from pain, Nathan healed very quickly, my mother-in-law has made an amazing recovery, and my burn is finally healing well. Also, I graduated from my college program and got a job as a speech language pathology assistant, Roger's knee healed after years of pain and he ran his first half-marathon in November, Hannah is growing up and is enjoying preschool, Buddy isn't quite so crazy anymore, and Alan and Nathan are enjoying school, and enjoyed playing soccer this summer and football this past fall.

I am thankful for healing, and thankful for the time that I had to take off after my accident in November. I was able to step back and see what was really important in life, what my priorities should be, and what needed to change.

I started this post a long time ago, but am determined to finally post it. I have felt almost deceptive for posting only smiling, happy pictures during such an intense year.

Now that I've said all of that, I feel like I can finally post a few pictures from our wonderful Christmas season. For the first time, I felt like I was able to slow down and enjoy every minute with my family.