Monday, January 2, 2012

~2011~ My Year In Review

As I sit here, reflecting on all the events, challenges and triumphs that made up 2011, I gotta say that, all in all, with all the bumps and bruises, it was a pretty good year.

Lets review, in no particular order, shall we:

Earlier this year, my husband, Mitch, was involved in a very tragic auto accident, where a man lost his life. And for reasons that only God knows, Mitch was, physically, unhurt. I thank the Lord for keeping His protective hands on him. We are extremely relieved that he was found not to be at fault. It was a sad and unfortunate accident but I believe that everything happens for a reason and maybe one day we'll have answers.

Also this year, my dad was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer and punched it in the gut!! After rigorous treatment and surgery, he is cancer free - Praise GOD! What a warrior and survivor! That's Army strong!!

My mother is still kicking cancers ass, despite being diagnosed with Breast Cancer (stage 4) for the second time in 2006 - when we were told that she had a year (or two with chemo), at most. The word, now, is that the cancer is spreading again. This time to her back and possibly in her spine. New Years Eve she was taken to the hospital, unresponsive and having difficulty breathing - on the verge of being intubated. The last update from my sister a few hours ago is that she is responsive, talking, ready to go home. We are convinced that God keeps changing his mind because He is not quite ready for that Extra Spicy Korean stick of dynamite..... not just yet.

Jonathan turned 9 ..... an extra special blessing! 2011 was a roller coaster with him and we've had to face some difficult things and make some hard decisions regarding his life and his care. I'm so thankful that I have a great support system and a wonderful group of doctors who really listen to us and care about J-man. We know to cherish every single day we have with him. Taking nothing for granted. Day by day, minute by minute.

Robert has had a few major bumps in the road and some demons he had to face. But, with help, he is working his way through that obstacle course and I have so much faith that he is going to do well and become a thriving and productive young man.

Angela has survived college and began her senior year in 2011. She also survived the horrific, April 27th Tornadoes that caused so much death and destruction in Tuscaloosa (& surrounding areas). Once again, I'm thankful to God for His love and protection of my daughter. That was a real eye opener and she learned a lot of important lessons during that time.  It's been a tough road but she's hanging in there and she is going to do fine.

Also in 2011, we celebrated Mitch's 50th birthday, helped celebrate Mom and Pop D's 50th wedding anniversary and were able to spend another awesome week with our friends at Camp New Hope.

We've enjoyed time with our families. A roof over our heads and food in our tummies. I know I haven't remembered everything but the most important thing is that we are here to love each other for a little while longer. I don't know what the future holds or what God's plan is so I'll just say - Thank You, Lord for Your blessings and Your mercy!

2012 is going to be a great year! Let's make everything we do count for something!

Snuggles and Smooches from me and mine! <3

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