It’s hard for me to believe today is New Year’s Eve, the last day of 2008. Seems like only a few weeks have passed since ‘08 arrived in its infancy, and I was filled with a child-like expectation for what it would bring. And now it’s over, and as I look back, I can say it was a good year, a very good year indeed. (To be truthful, any year in which I survive and even manage to be healthy and happy, is a very good year for me.)
This is the year that (i) the economy took a downturn; (ii) we saw history made during the November elections; (iii) the war continued in Iraq and too many of our young men and women were still on foreign soil away from their families and loved ones; (iv) the first female winner was crowned on The Biggest Loser; then another one back to back. Come on–everything can’t be serious. There have to be some funny, warm-fuzzy kind of moments in there, too. (And you can always make your own list if you don’t like mine!).
This year I saw the beginning of some new friendships, while a more established and cherished relationship detoured into new (and scary) territory and some older friendships ended up in the Relationship Graveyard. Ah well–I finally learned that not all relationships are meant to last a lifetime: some folks walk through my life for one specific reason and others wander through for a particular season.
On a more personal note, I am amazed and thankful that I went the entire year, 12 whole months, with no health insurance. Thank God, I had no illnesses–maybe one cold–in all that time. God is so good. He’s the best health insurance there is.
I also realize that some of my friends and loved ones who started 2008 with me won’t be here to usher in 2009, but I believe they’re in a better place than I am right now, holding a seat for me until I can reunite with them someday. It’s been a year of miracles, tragedies, triumphs, defeats, excitement and letdowns and pleasant surprises–a virtual smorgasbord of emotional events. The year may be over; but I am still here, and I’m going strong, in spite of myself. That says something. (Doesn’t it?)
Now, here I sit, sad to see 2008 go but anxious to experience the joys of 2009. I don’t make resolutions, but I am hoping to experience this year with no expectations of anyone or anything. That way I know for certain I will not be disappointed! I find that makes it easier for me to spot that silver lining in every situation, if I don’t already have preconceived ideas about the situation or its outcome.
I wish you a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year. I plan on just getting better and better! Life is good, and I am enjoying the adventure.
Here’s to new beginnings for a new life and a new you in this new year.
