Happy New Year!

As 2012 draws to a close like many other people I am reflecting on the past year and hoping for the new year. 

Looking back it is easy to focus on the negative things that happened in 2012.  My mother ended her journey in this life after a long battle with Alzheimer's.   Two of my sisters battled breast cancer, going through surgeries and exhausting treatments.  My husband and I lost several friends, who died this past year.  We have struggled financially.

Yet when I look at the past year through a different lens I can see how we were blessed tremendously in the midst of trials and sadness.  The end of my mother's life was an answer to prayer as her Alzheimer's had progressed to the point that she did not know us any more.  My sisters' journey through cancer has shown us what strong and resilient women they are.  My husband and I have learned to live with less and appreciate what we have. 

Other blessings this year, my son is in a great relationship with a wonderful young woman.  They are engaged and expecting their "first" child in February.  I'm looking forward to being a grandmother and experiencing that phase of my life.  I am two classes, comprehensive exams and one dissertation from completing my doctorate.  This has been a five year journey that has demonstrated to me that we are never too old to return to school and acquire learning.  I am also grateful to have an employer who values me as an employee and has supported me in my educational journey. 

Next year will bring new life as our extended family expands with the addition of grandchildren.  I'm not expecting everything to be perfect next year but I do know that with the support of family and faith nothing is insurmountable. 

I wish you all the best next year.  May you be able to look at the things that are negative in your life and see them through a new lens also. 

Happy New Year.  May 2013 be a year of new beginnings, blessings and wonderful opportunities. 

"You live where you live!"

Over the weekend my husband and I were at the grocery store picking up a few final things for Christmas.  The young man who picks up the carts in the parking lot followed us to the car to get our cart.  We always talk to him and he often has words of wisdom.  It was a cold, icy day in Indiana and my husband was complaining about the weather.  The young man, who is developmentally challenged asked him why he did not move to Florida.  My husband responded that we could not do that right now.  The young man responded with, "You live where you live!" 

That statement struck me as so profound.  It reminded me that anyplace we happen to be can be a place of beauty and peace.  It also reminded me that if I am unhappy with something I can either change my situation or just accept it and look for the best. 

In this season of wonder with the celebration of the birth of Christ it seems we are also overwhelmed with sadness.  The tragedy in Connecticut has struck at the hearts of so many of us.  Personally I am dealing with the recent passing of my mother after a long illness.  On the positive side we are awaiting the birth of our first grandchild in early 2013. 

I have had trouble getting into the spirit of the season this year.  Yet God works in some amazing ways.  Who knew that I would find a spiritual lift in the parking lot of the grocery store from the words of the young man who picks up the carts. 

So where ever you are I hope you have a wonderful holiday and the Merry Christmas.  Remember, "You live where you live!" 

"Watch the Ice"

I wrote the following to be included in my mother's funeral service this week:  

While my sisters and I were growing up we lived in a house that faced north and so in the winter when the snow and ice would melt off the roof there usually was a patch of ice on the front walkway most of the coldest winter months.  As we were leaving through the front door to catch the bus in the morning for school one of the last things we heard from Mother was “Watch the ice.” 

As we entered our teenage years that phrase usually got an eye roll and an adolescent sigh response from us but Mother continued to say it.  It became a source of humor for us as we grew older.

Then as I became an adult, moved away and eventually had a child of my own the phrase still followed me.  When I would leave my parents’ house after a visit in the winter one of the last things I heard from Mother was “Watch the ice” even if there was none in sight.  As our parents grew older and our roles reversed, with me watching out for their safety, I often found myself saying to Mother and Dad “Watch the ice” as we went out on a winter day during one of my visits.  I was fortunate for many years that even though l lived in Indiana my work brought me to Columbus or Ohio so I could include a visit to them.  Thinking back I now cherish those times together when we would sit in their living room or in the gazebo at their last house talking, laughing and reminiscing.  

Now as we are saying goodbye to our mother as she has left this life I was reminded of “Watch the ice.”  I realize now it become a code for “Take care, be safe, I love you”  

I know Mother has left this life and moved on to Heaven.  I’m also pretty sure there are no icy sidewalks in Paradise.  Yet as we say goodbye I want her to know that I have appreciated all her care over my life.  In her own way she loved all of us and communicated that love through everyday phrases such as “Watch the ice.” 

Also, as my life continues and until that moment when I step between this life and the next in Heaven, when I walk on the sidewalks in winter I will hear in my mind Mother saying “Watch the Ice.” 

Now I know it really means  “Take care, be safe, I love you.”  

As I may say that phrase to those I love and the grandchild on the way please know that in saying “Watch the ice” I am expressing my love for my family as love was expressed to me by my mother.