11 in '11

Tonight there are thousands, if not a million, people crowded in Times Square getting ready to ring in the New Year. Thinking about all those people it occurs to me that what we all have had in common in 2011 is a year marked with dangerously low “lows” and happiest of “highs”. As with every year, 2011 proved to be both difficult and rewarding. We continue to learn more and more about the importance of a strong faith, love of family and friends, and to always count our blessings. As a review of 2011, here are the 11 things I’ll never forget about ’11.

1.  I found a really terrific support system in a wonderful group of woman at a home-based bible study. I honestly feel I can confide in them all and that they will let me speak frankly with them about the struggles I face.

2. Our cat, Max, is therapeutic. He really has healing powers. I can sit down when the world seems overwhelming, and feel my blood pressure dropping when he curls up on my lap.

3. Cancer continues to be a dirty, rotten plaque. Fortunately, we live close to some of the world’s leading medical facilities. That provides reassurance and hope when faced with the nasty “C” word.

4. Though put through the ringer by our failed match, it showed us just how strong we are. It also made us more resilient. We also learned to lean on each other when we grieve. Almost a taking of turns occurred.

5. We were blessed to get to go to several football games this year. Football season came at a time when one of my most favorite of things served as a perfect distraction from an unimaginably long adoption process.

6. I began working with my parents this year. This has been wonderful for me, and it also continues to show me how much work went into the business that allowed me so many opportunities.

7. My sister has grown to be an even “bester” friend to me. I have so much respect for her and all of the hard work she has done in 2011.

8. I’ll always look back at 2011 and remember our trip to Washington DC. This was one of those trips where I got to see my husband’s eyes light up every day. It was magical.

9. Drought. Enough said.

10. I grew to LOVE NASCAR in 2011. Call me a hill-billy, I don’t even care. I love it.

11. I realized that every day and every gift is a blessing. Everything can change in a minute, a phone call, a doctor appointment, a walk into the office. Live life one day at a time, and thank God for seeing you through it.

With that, I am headed to watch the ball drop in Times Square. See you in 2012. It’s going to be EPIC.