Happy New Year!
As I sit here and reflect on 2025, I am grateful for the many blessings I have received.
As always, we come to the end of a year and dwell on all the things we did not accomplish. We tell ourselves "maybe next year". Some of us will feel as though we fell short of what we had hoped to achieve. Many of us will make new year resolutions because that's what we're accustomed to.
Not me.
I will not dwell on the past or focus on my failures. I will not go into the new year with regrets, self-pity, or thoughts of resentment. While I may not be close (in miles) to my family, my heart is full, and I live each day - for them. They are my rock. They are my being. They are the reason I eat and breathe. I do not tell them often enough, but they know. They know my heart beats for them. I am a mom, clinging to unconditional love because that is how I was raised, and THAT is who I AM.
This year, I was able to be home to celebrate milestones with my son. I wouldn't have missed these precious memories for anything. Just as I didn't miss his first words, his first steps, his first chord on his guitar, his first girlfriend, his temps and divers education, the smile when he received his driver's license, his graduation, or his first job. Those moments that as a mom, your heart is warm as they experience success. This year, I was able to watch him sign his papers when he purchased his first home. This year, I was able to come home and meet his first child (my beautiful granddaughter, Alice). This year was a great year.
In addition, I am thankful to have a job that allowed me NOT to miss those important moments. I am thankful for family who provided: a place to stay, cooked meals, support, and most of all - LOVE. I know it is not ideal to be so far from home. I know that I am not doing all the things a "glamma" should do. I know that I am missing things that, if I was there, nothing would stop me from seeing. Even so, because of this, it makes visiting even more special.
This year, I was able to speak (almost daily) with my daughter and grandkids via Facetime. I was able to see my grandbabies grow, get their haircut, attend their first day of school, attend football practice, and well, be naughty. lol.
In a nutshell, I am blessed. As this year ends, I know that next year will be the same - maybe better. As I step with one foot in 2025, and the other in 2026, I am excited to see what this new year brings. I am excited for the future. Life is truly a blessing. Live it, love it, and just be in it.
I hope you have a wonderful and happy new year!