As We Ring In THe New...

This has been a challenging year for me. That in itself should be all that I say. My children are growing, their needs are growing, and our budget is not. But somehow we manage. I took on a lot this year, and I guess I am no worse for the wear.

There are a lot of things I regret, but too many that I don't. In fact, over the past few months, I haven't had the time or the emotional energy to "take stock" of myself or my actions. I know that I have done what is right, what is fair and what is good. That is all that I have needed to do in my life. I can look myself in the mirror every time I pass one without justifying my actions or emotions. That in itself is a big thing in the world in which we live, today.

I have learned a few things about myself this past year. There are times when those things weren't pretty, but I learned them myself and can live with them being a part of me.

I have lost a precious gift, my mother. I need to learn to go on without her. Honestly, the relationship that I had with my mother wasn't always good, it by no means, was perfect, but still she was always there and she loved me, I know she did, she told me every time I talked to her, even when she was not grounded in reality at the end, she always said she loved me. I felt it from the time I was a child to the end of her life. I need to learn to grieve for her, to mourn her and to hold her in my heart.

The year 2007 is closing on a sad note for me, and 2008 will open on a sad note too, but I will make the best of what I have and wish for a better year to come.

Here are my wishes for all of my family and friends:
I wish for all of you to love life, and those in your life with the whole of your heart. I wish that you take the time to listen to the "elder's" stories, that we all learn a little about ourselves when we do that. I wish that people just accept and forgive whatever slights they feel have been done to them, that fragment families and friends. I wish the gifts of happiness and contentedness for all who read this blog. I wish that no one out there has a regret for what could have been. I wish that people don't waste time on worrying about which starlet or boy band is in trouble with the law, or drugs or alcohol. Take time to worry about what is important, that food is on the table everyday, that love is in your residence and your heart. I wish that you all get kisses and hugs from your loved ones, they feel great and charge you emotionally. Most of all I wish you life, its ups and downs, its loves and laughs, it is a precious commodity, more precious than we know.