Happy New Year! We lived through 2008 and now, onto bigger and better. At least better. Everyone I know had a tough 2008. Some were tougher than others but no one was left unscathed. I believe that I’m one of the lucky ones who had a less tough year. I had some medical issues, but nothing life threatening. I started and was laid off from a job. But I didn’t like the job that much anyway and was still looking. Some of my friends had to deal with the loss of a parent, loss of a marriage, very serious illnesses and other challenging issues. I just lost my job. And I’m not minimizing that loss but for me, it’s not as devastating as it could be. Just one more reason why I feel so lucky.
Even though 2008 was a tough year, I’m glad to have lived through it. It was an amazing year, good and bad. The world came together to try and help a country hit by a natural disaster and the stories of heroicism that came from another were amazing and heart wrenching. I got to see Michael Phelps become the most decorated Olympian in American history. I had to live through the defeat of one of the best football teams in history. I watched an interesting and great season for my beloved Sox, even if they didn’t make it to the Big Show. (Manny who?) I stood by the sides of friends and family who worked their way through very emotional and painful times. I wept along with millions of others when Barack Obama stood on that stage in Grant Park and thanked our nation for achieving the unbelievable…the unthinkable. I never thought I’d see a person of color make a serious run for President, forget actually winning. I watched and worried over the economy (and still am). I feel like I learned a lot about myself and others. I tried not to wish the time away but there were some days when it was very difficult not to try to hurry 2008 along.
I rang the new year in with some of my most beloved. It was quiet and mellow and a very appropriate ending to 2008.
2009 started very quietly. One of my BFFs and her husband came over to celebrate New Year’s Day, which was very nice and she always makes me feel more hopeful, so I couldn’t think of anyone better to spend time with on the first day of the new year. I had another nice surprise on the second day of the new year. One of the women that I mentioned in my last blog reached out to me and it was more than I could have hoped for. From her message, it sounds like she’s thought of me as often as I’ve thought of her. I don’t know what the future will hold but staying in touch is great…more than that is gravy. I think that we all need some gravy in 2009 and I sincerely hope that we all enjoy some.
Here’s to you and a fabulous, amazing and hopeful 2009.
