As in former years I am left wondering where the year went. It seems as if I was just writing my Christmas letter of 2018 and looking forward to a bright 2019.
And as in former years this 2019 has seen its highs and lows.
Throughout the year my belief that there is always a silver lining remained. Even the fact of my Bert being away from me had its silver linings. He went into a home I had chosen. A good choice still and one reason I have been able to concentrate on loving while a team of professionals help with the caregiving. The staff is awesome!
Also, if my Bert was still living at home I would not have been able to attend the funeral of my dear childhood friend in Atlanta. That was a perfect storm of highs and lows.
My gratitude gene got a good workout throughout this year. I am so grateful to our son and daughter-in-law who even with busy lives help to fill in the gaps, the Lifeliners and their invaluable support, and to the friends and neighbours who surround us with little acts of kindness every day. How could I not be grateful.
2019 was a packed year and yet I still wonder where it went. There is an experiment in the offing. My Bert is coming home for Christmas. How will that go? No one knows. Unlike the waffling about the anniversary celebration, there is no hesitation here. My Bert loves to go out and has regular outings with visiting friends and bi-monthly restaurant lunches with the family. Spending Christmas in our own home is a no brainer. We are planning a Bert’s Christmas. We hope it will be smooth sailing but are prepared to roll with the punches whatever happens.
All in all 2019 was filled with more highs than lows. Between those two extremes life went on as usual. There were funerals to attend, love and marriages and new babies to celebrate. We dealt with the ordinary tasks of daily living and revelled in the many moments of joy.
It is Christmas time, the holiday season of hope. It is an awesome time!
May you have the Spirit of Christmas which is Peace
The Gladness of Christmas which is Hope
The Heart of Christmas which is Love.
Wishing you health and happiness and happy meanderings in 2020 !