Dear 2008...

Dear 2008,


You've been a good year to me, and I can hardly believe it's time to say our goodbyes. It's like you just got here! We've been through a lot together, huh?


It all began when I finally left long-term care. Those were 10 fantastic years, but when you grabbed my hand, 2008, we entered a brand new world. Just look at this picture I found from Halloween at the nursing home some years ago...I don't know how on earth you convinced me to leave. I miss it sometimes, but we both know it was time to go...





We went through some sad times together, 2008, on January 17th to be exact. MawMaw Ray passed away. This picture is a page from my scrapbook. See her with Mom? And there in the top left, she's pictured with Papa Ray. I know they are truly living now. It still makes me sad sometimes...but I know life must go on...





Speaking of "life goes on", I witnessed the birth of a baby with you by my side, ole-friend-2008. That was a new experience for me...well, sort of. When my nephew Grayson was born, I was in the room, but I remember specifically sitting in the corner of the room trying not to puke. (No offense, Grayson. It's just that I've grown up some since then). Maybe my sugar was low or something. Remember how fast it all happened when baby Za'Marea was born? We were so excited that we almost forgot to take some pictures after she was born. Dr. Blake looked at me and said "Does anybody want to take some pictures?" You're darn skippy we did! See...



Oh, 2008, let's not forget about the week at the beach with Aunt Kathy...ahhh...



2008, you convinced me to get healthy. We eat a lot of diet bread together, don't we? And some herbs. And some baby spinach. And some coffee with splenda. But it's paying off, huh? We're holding steady at about 32 lbs. lost this year.

And of course, 2008, we can't fail to reminisce about the Dolly Parton concert in Atlanta. Now that's something we won't soon forget.

2008, you were really good to my nephews and their Alexandria Valley Cubs peewee teams. Both teams were champions in their league. I spent many weekends with my brother and his family this year and I enjoyed it so, so, so much. I wish that I lived closer to them and could just drop in to see them any time I wish.



Rick and Bubba! Rick and Bubba! Do you remember, 2008, when we went to the Rick and Bubba Show? Remember how my cell phone kept ringing after Rick said my name over the air? Even people I worked with in Scottsboro were calling to ask if it was me at the Rick and Bubba Show!



Finally, 2008, we must recall the Turkey Trot. We walked it. We came in last...but thankfully we were not alone. There were a few other ladies in the caboose with us, huh? That was a first for us, and I think we should be really proud of ourselves.

Yes, 2008, you were a very fine year.

I have a request of you, 2008. We you speak to your Creator, the One who created every year before you and will create every year to come, the One who IS the Beginning and the End, will you please ask Him to do a few things in 2009...

Please ask Him to bless The Way Home.

Please ask Him to bless my whole family.

Please ask Him to help everything to come together when Brother builds his new house.

Please ask Him to help me to Run the Turkey Trot next year....whoa, He's gonna need to work a miracle!

You can thank Him, too, 2008, for the blessings of you!