Look Out Tiger!

Don't Look Back in Anger

2009 was at best difficult and at worst tragic, but I survived and have grown stronger. In the end, I decided to look back at '09 and catalog it in a different light..

2009 brought me face to face with the mortality of my parents. My mother under went testing and surgery. She was diagnosed with lung cancer. She under went chemo therapy. She survived. She is cancer free as of now. She has a cute new hair do. She is alive. She is here. That is a blessing.

My father, not to be out done, practically died twice- in two weeks! As, I held his hand in the ER, tears streaming down my face and clutching his hand I promised him I'd take care of mom, something I'd never done before. His eyes, wide with fear, looked back at me and the strength in his never faltered. I've never seen him laid so low and I was terrified. He survived. He is here. That is a blessing.

Annabelle had a rough year. She was changing before our eyes, but we didn't know it. Her behavior slowly changed and she grew withdrawn and tired. Over the course of 6 months things changed so slowly we had no idea our daughter was not her self. After a long vacation and a trying week, I decided to take her to the doctor. Her excessive thirst was not natural. Her need to use the restroom so frequently was a trial. She was so skinny. She is Diabetic. Type 1. Insulin dependent. Needles 4 times a day. Oh god. She is here. She is thriving. I have over come (sort of) my fear. Abby has returned to me, when I didn't know she was lost. That is a blessing.

My job has been difficult. I have a job. I have a job I'm good at and I love. That is a blessing.

Randy's job may evaporate at anytime. 495 people from is company lost their job. He missed the cut by 23 people. He has a job. That is a blessing.

My Mother turned 70 and we had a surprise party! Blessing

Randy took my to Napa for my birthday. Blessing

The kids were both in "The Pirates of Penzance"! If not a blessing, then certainly fun.

We went to Japan and met Randys Aunt and cousin. BLESSING!
I ate sushi in Japan! AWESOME
I saw baseball in Japan! Awesome

Randy had started down a new road and has found aunt, uncles, cousins, siblings and more family... Blessing.

We are blessed. We are fortunate. We are here. We persist. We go on.

I have the love of my family, the love of my husband and children and the love of some of the best friends ever. I am blessed- even in my darkest times, even in my anger, I am blessed.