It amazes me how much my priorities have changed over the last five years. There was a time in my life when not having plans for New Years Eve would have been a tragedy of unparalleled proportions. Tonight, however, I'm looking forward to sitting quietly by the fire with some knitting, a glass of wine, and my wonderful husband by my side.
Now before you think I've gone soft, let's get one thing straight: There have been PLENTY of New Year's celebrations for the record books. There was unforgettable yet oh-so-regrettable New Year's of 1996/1997 when I showed up late for curfew, sans contact lenses (which meant legally blind), and tried to feign sobriety despite my clear inability to put two words together. And who could (though I'm sure we all want to) deny the EPIC celebration including one (or two) too many apple martini's that landed me flat on my you-know-what in the middle of Buckhead with my friend on top of me in a very unflattering yet attention grabbing situation. Shudder.
What you couldn't have told me five years ago, is that I would gladly trade every one of those hell-raising nights on the town for the chance to snuggle up with my cuddle bugs and reminisce about the previous 12 months. Looking into the eyes of my children, I see just how much things have changed and how much we have grown over the last 365 days.
This time last year, we had just finalized one of the darkest, most difficult times in our adult lives. Everything material thing we thought was important had been stripped from our hands, and we were forced to look at life beyond what can be measured by dollars and cents.
It was, in many way, the most blessed New Year's Eve we had ever celebrated.
We had our family. We had added another miracle to our clan and our little brood was healthy and thriving. Our lives were more full than we could have ever imagined despite the wall of uncertainty that we were facing.
This year I am even more thankful and humbled than I ever thought possible. Our children are continuing to grow and amaze us every day. We've certainly experienced bumps and obstacles, but we've learned the depth of our strength and the importance of family. Our financial situation has not changed, but our spiritual and emotional stability has grown exponentially and we have been graced with a peace far beyond our wildest imaginations from accepting our struggles and learning to be thankful for them. When I am able to silence the world for a few moments, It is truly amazing to see where we have been and the possible places that we can go from here.
So tonight, as I am counting my own blessings, I will also be thinking of you. May you experience peace and happiness beyond your own mind's eye in the year to come.
Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama
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