2012: Ups and Downs

As I reflect on 2012, I can’t help but think that while I’ve had some major losses in my father death, and the loss of my marriage after 16 years, that which I have gained this year has far outshined the bad. 

I’ve gained an incredible new job in 2012 at Gibbsboro Elementary. Along with that job, I’ve gained some remarkable new colleagues that have grown into friends. Each day I ask God to give me the confidence and competence to do a job well done, and each day I am blessed beyond measure that he continually answers my prayer. That job, and the students I see each day, have gotten me through some difficult days.

I’ve also gained a sense of myself. I think I was lost for a little while, but I’ve found my independence and inner strength again. I have learned how to do things I always relied on someone else to do for me. I forgot that I could do these things.

I have grown in my relationship with my son. While Rob has always been a priority to me, I have realized that I needed to spend more time with him, and spend that time listening to him. I have enjoyed him so much this year in the midst of a very difficult period of time that isn’t quite finished yet.

I have always had wonderful, truthful, and supportive friends. I just know exactly who they are now (and more importantly, who they aren’t). My friends have been amazing, encouraging, loving, supportive, and caring. I love them SO much and cannot imagine how I would have survived this year with out them!

And my family, as always, has loved me, cried with me, laughed with me, and has let me spew my orneriness without judgment this year. My blood family, and my family through marriage will always be my family. My relationship with my mother in law has always been fantastic. I love that woman, and she continues to love me. I’m so thankful that has not changed.

So it is with mixed-emotions that I say goodbye to 2012, and look forward to what God has for me in 2013. Happy New Year, friends and family!