I realize that you have not ended yet. I realize the last moment of your life has not passed. I realize the last memory during your life has not yet been made. Because I will be busy during your very last moment making memories with loved ones, I wanted to say good-bye to you now. Oh 2012, how I will miss you. You came and went so quickly but so much happened during your life. Your life was a bittersweet one in my life.
For the first time ever, I experienced an MRI and surgery. What an experience. . .one that I hope to never go through again. For the first time ever, I rode in the vehicle with one of my children behind the wheel. For the first time ever, I saw what it was like for a teenager to look for his first job and go to hear about his experiences of helping many people transport their groceries out to their vehicles. For the fitst time ever, I had the courage to watch another child attempt that "kick flip" on his skateboard [without being encased in bubble wrap - never did wrap him up, but always thought he should be). For the first time ever, my youngest child expressed her fears about entering middle school next year and asked if I could keep her in 5th grade next year instead (sooooo much like I was at her age).
2012, although I am bidding you farewell, I am not bidding farewell to the memories that were made during your life.
. . .
Hello, 2013. It's very nice to meet you. What an exciting time you and I will have together. What an exciting time your life will be. It will be one during which wonderful memories will be made. One during which I hope to lose some "baggage" before my 25th high school reunion. One during which I will get to see people I haven't seen in several years who were a big part of my life for even more years. One during which I will help a child complete scholarship applications. One during which I will see my middle child enter his last year of middle school and my youngest child enter her first year of middle school. One during which my children and I will enjoy another "every-other-year" mini vacation. One during which I am looking forward to a new adventure with crafts (such as finishing that long-awaited cross-stitch UFO). And so much more.
I hope no one reading this will mind if I take a moment to thank the one who made everything possible in 2012. The One who saw that my family stayed healthy. The One who saw that all of our needs were met. The One who blessed us in ways we never dreamed would happen. If it weren't for God, none of these things would have happened. He has gone above and beyond in blessing us. I am thankful for the things He has done, the things He is doing, and the things He will do. . .for all things He does are great.
As we say good-bye to 2012 and welcome 2013, I want to encourage everyone to set goals they have never set before. Let 2013 be the year you "reach for the stars". Let it be the year you use your talents to bless others. Let it be the year you start "adopting" a person each year to do many RAK's for or make a very special gift for such as a quilt, afghan, scrapbook, super duper sized care package of some of their favorite things, etc. Whether it is a complete stranger or someone you know, choose someone who really needs some encouragement. . .someone who needs assurance that they are special. . .someone who the world hasn't been so kind to. . .or someone who is hurting. I don't think we realize that difference we can make in the lives of others who are going through such things.
I have many things I want to accomplish in 2013 which means I have many goals. Painting walls in many rooms in our home. Completing a cross-stitch UFO. Making "fancy" soaps and selling them to raise money for special offerings at church. Instead of yard sales, I look forward to having craft sales in my front yard during the warmer months. Our home will be my primary goal, though. The walls have been white since we moved in back in the mid 90's. It's time for a change. Let's bring in some color. Let's get rid of the drab white that brings back a lot of unhappy memories and bring in color to represent happier times ahead.
God bless.
I truly enjoy your writing style and you're ever present upbeat attitude. I wish you well in your painting endeavors. From I love Cross Stitch yahoo group...Lena
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the compliment. I've always expressed myself best through writing. I've never been a poet or anything like that, but I spent many summers in my room as a teenager writing to pen pals.
ReplyDeleteMy current "endeavor" is soapmaking. I'm in the process of making samples to give to local friends for feedback to see what's a hit and what isn't. Soooo much fun. There are so many colors and scents to work with.