Like the autumn winds dashing through the trees, another year has come and gone, full of trials and turmoil, seeing as many uncountable tears as moments of abandon and laughter. Now is the time to ask ourselves how we fared. . . Did we accomplish what we set out to do this year? Did we fall short?
As for me, this was the year I was to find myself or, at least, most of myself. I had begun a journey of uncertainty that almost cost me all that I have worked for but, in the very end, I found that I had so much more. I found myself; I found my heart again.
Not in a long time has so much changed for so many… Relationships lost and some rekindled, new friends found after so long, some marriages, some life-altering decisions, new careers embarked on and some returns to college to prepare for just that…
And here we are again. The house is silent, save for the tiny adenoids of my children, and even the neighbors’ attempts to ring in the new year with firearms and explosives has died down. Without further ado, I ask you to raise your glasses with me…
To Kimberley, my little mystery… I feared the worst but have found you again, just in time.
To my children, Jessie, Zack, Johan, and Sabrina… The constant source of joy for my heart.
To Bonnie, the sister I never had… You’ve made me so proud of you, and you’re nearly to the end of your college journey.
To Mike and Bailey, married only a few months. . . Here begins your great adventure.
To Sarah Bethany, who always seems to show up when you most need her… We don’t talk nearly as much as we should, anymore.
To Mike and Diana, friends gone for so long… We haven’t had time to catch up since we collided again, but we have an entire year ahead of us.
To Tori Anne, finally free and away to college… I’m proud of you, too, and wish you and your sweetie all the best.
To Tammy and Michelle, one friend found and another so distant… You are anchors to the time when I learned that life is more than masks.
To Amber, the acquaintance that became a good friend… We have many games of Literati ahead of us.
To Carrie, having found the strength to live her life again… Welcome back.
To Justin, my Brother In Arms… You have walked through the fire and set off again to find who you are. There are forks in that road, but there are friends along the way.
To absent friends…
And now, the beginning…
