Another year has come to an end. They seem to go faster every year, don’t they?
As each year comes to a close, I like to look back on the year and think about memorable and/or important things that happened during the year. It’s a way of bringing closure to some things as well as appreciating other things we have in life.
Here are some of my memorable events of 2013:
- In February, daughter #1 moved away to the San Francisco area. She needed to grow on her own – but it was especially tough on Paula. And me too. But there comes a time when we have to cut the apron strings.
- In March, we vacationed in San Francisco – mostly to help daughter #1 settle in. It was our first ever visit to IKEA.
- At the end of March, the Lord called my mother home. I couldn’t help but feel happy for mom – for she no longer had to deal with the frustration of Dementia. She was finally free of the disease. And now she can watch over us and be with us in spirit.
- In May, our Pomeranian-Chihuahua, Kibi left us after 11 years of bringing us joy and leaving her fur balls all over the house. She was such a hand-full and had a big appetite, but she was so cute. Some mornings when I’d be reading the newspaper, she would reach up to me and paw my leg wanting to come up and sit on my lap. After I told her no, she would wander off and find her favorite toy – her “duckie” – and bring it to me in her mouth and paw me again wanting to come up. How could I say no after that.
- In July, we went to Las Vegas for my birthday. I didn’t care that the weather was going to be over 100° – I was itching to go. But you know what? That’s too damn hot! I thought I was going to pass out from heat stroke. No more birthday celebrations in Vegas. Maybe someplace cooler like Seattle.
- In September, we said goodbye to Sassydog. She fought a long, hard battle with cancer. She was very active with the retro-bands and there were a couple of fundraisers that were put together to help her defray medical costs. But the best thing that came out of it (besides the funds raised) was all of her friends and family coming together. She brought us all together. And I’m sure that the love and support she felt was overwhelming. But I think what she enjoyed the most was seeing everyone gathered together having a great time and dancing to the oldies. That is what brought joy to Sharon.
- In November – we spent the Thanksgiving weekend in San Francisco. This time it was more of a tourist vacation thing and less of helping daughter #1 – who was pretty much settled in already. We took in the sights, went on a couple of tours, ate the foods, got lost on pubic transit, spent Black Friday eve at Union Square, and had a great time.
- In December after returning from our San Francisco vacation – I got the flu, which turned into Pneumonia. Man, I was so messed up – from high fevers, to a sore lower back, to aching ribs from coughing. I don’t ever want to get sick like that again. But if I do – I want to make sure that I have Paula to take care of me like she did. I don’t know if I could ever take as good care of her if she got sick, but I will try my best.
That pretty much highlights my 2013. As I think of more, I’ll post them in the comments.
As you reflect on 2013 – what are some of the things that are most memorable to you? What are some of your highlights of the year? What are some of the lowlights of the year? Hold on to those resolutions – we’ll discuss those later…