Goodbye, 2022!

To say it’s been a crazy year would be an understatement. Highs, lows, twists and turns that I never expected; this year has brought them all. Some things went according to plan, and some things knocked the wind right outta my chest.

My amazing, wonderful, beautiful children graduated high school this year. It was a very proud moment for me, standing on my high school campus, watching these two incredible humans that I created receive their diplomas. What a wild ride the past thirteen years had been! I’ve been saying it for quite a few years, but that night in June really hammered it home…my babies aren’t babies anymore. Adulthood smacked us all right in the face.

We took a family vacation to Florida to celebrate the end of an era. The whole family loaded up the cars and headed south to St. Pete Beach. We walked in the sand, soaked up the sun, and soaked away our stress in the Gulf of Mexico. Just like everything else in life, our vacation had its ups and downs. I am eternally grateful to my family for indulging me in this trip. I cherished every moment we spent together.

Life threw us a major curveball on the 4th of July, and our daily reality will never be the same. Summer and fall looked a lot different this year. Seasons change, and that’s not just the pages of the calendar. As a family, we’ve had to have some unexpected and uncomfortable conversations. But, we have each other, and we will handle whatever comes our way together with love.

My faith has been tested with a surprise shake-up at our church. As someone who suffers from anxiety and depression, unanticipated change can be quite a challenge. My friends at NA have been constant reminders that God is always at work in our lives, even when it feels like we’re alone. I’m filled with gratitude that they’ve welcomed me into the circle. I wouldn’t be handing things as well as I am without them.

Speaking of NA, these people are some of the strongest, most resilient people I know. We’ve shared laughs and tears. We welcomed some new people into the room and we’ve unfortunately had to say goodbye to some as well. The disease of addiction is relentless. These demons are real, and sometimes they win. 😢

Our Thanksgiving table was a little smaller this year as my daughter spent the holiday in Wisconsin with her boyfriend and his family. It was my first Thanksgiving without her, and another example of life changing as we grow.

Traditions change over the years, and a few of our Christmas traditions fell by the wayside this year. They were missed, but Christmas was still magical. Different doesn’t mean it can’t be special. I have to keep reminding myself of that.

I’m starting the new year in a new season of life. My son moved to his dad’s. My daughter moved to Wisconsin. It’s been a long time since I’ve only been responsible for myself on a day to day basis. I’m not really sure what to do with myself. A new adventure awaits.

I’m ready for a new year. I’m hopeful that it will be a good one. I’m praying it brings health and happiness for my friends and family.

Blessings to all of you for the coming year. May you embrace each opportunity and overcome each obstacle with grace, peace, and mercy. See you in 2023!!