Reflections on a Year

It's that time when most bloggers review what's happend in the past year. I really don't want to do that, for as we leave behind 2010 I leave behind two beloved family members. Our family's pain is well-documented and I don't want to go over it yet again.
Instead, I'm looking at the good stuff that happened, and in spite of our losses there were some bright spots.
I feel I'm truly "back into myself" in terms of healing from the car accident. I'm frequently asked "are you all better now?" and there is no such thing after such a bad accident. Scars are left both physically and emotionally. But my body works great and aside from some scar tissue limiting mobility in my left arm and the occasional ache or pain, I'm pretty much good to go. Mentally it's been a long journey. I knew I wasn't myself for the longest time. I'd just act like myself and hope no one noticed. Turns out lots of people did but were too kind to say anything. A brain injury is a funny thing and it took an awful long time to bounce back from that. In the past few months I do feel comfortable in my own skin again and can look forward to parties and crowded events without panicking. I never thought I'd be so glad to be "just me"!
My dear friend Laurie paid us a visit and I got to meet her newest addition to her family, Sassy. It seems each visit gets more and more fun and we just had the best time! Friendships are such treasures and I'm lucky to count Laurie as one very special friend.
Erik got a job. It's been over a year. Yes, it's not what he used to make but the drive is reasonable and it looks like a great company. He's fitting right in and very happy at his new place of business. We will have to revisit our budget which I'm not looking forward to, but no more fear or losing our home or other scary things that come with a negative cash flow.
I started my new business as the town's Welcome Wagon lady. I love it! It's my own hours and largely driven by how hard I choose to work at it. This job will help plug the hole left by my husband's cash reduction. Truly, I was blessed to have this opportunity and will be forever thankful to Barb for her help and mentoring me along this path.
Two of my grandkids came for a visit and the timing couldn't have been better. They came shortly after the passing of Barry and Uncle Bill. They gave us a gift that is priceless: happiness.
Speaking of grandkids, we had a miracle that baby Ella came into this world safe and sound. Both my daughter and Ella could have been lost in this high-risk pregnancy and delivery. When a doctor calls it a miracle, you know you are far more than lucky. I'm nothing short of grateful to God for my daughter and Ella being completely fine in the face of such long odds.
In spite of serious health issues, we still have all six dogs. I cherish each and every day with all of them and enjoy the fact our house is chaotic with so many furry friends running around.
And the reason it's six dogs now is the addition of Pinch. It was amazing how quickly he fit in. There was no ripple effect, no jealousy. Every dog gladly accepted Pinch into the fold.
Holding Moto back from the show ring was the best thing I could've done. He's now exhibitng enjoyment in his training and at sho n go's. I'm getting comments that people didn't think he was capable of doing what they are seeing in him performance-wise. Working on our bond and building drive has paid off big-time. Maybe, just maybe, we'll enter a show in the Spring.
In summary I've realized if you get the priviledge of living a long time you don't go through life without some scars. In so many of my Welcome Wagon visits I hear stories of terrible loss and tragedy. Yet these people still smile at me as they begin a new life in a new town. Inspired by so many of these stories, I too put on a smile as we begin a new year.
We're all still here, so we might as well dance.