I am thankful for everyday God has granted to me and my
loved ones. I am grateful for the good
and the not so good because they have helped me mature and grow. I am thankful for being able to rest in my
comfort zone when I have had enough and for being forced out of it when I
needed a push, or shove. I am not sorry that 2018 has come to an
end. There were many good things that
happened in 2018, but there were some disappointing things as well. I am starting 2019 with resolve to accomplish
a few goals that felt out of reach in 2018.
I remember watching a movie when I was a kid, I can’t
remember the name, but it ended with the son dying and after his death the mom
walked and walked the streets of New York.
She did it because her son couldn’t.
I know some of my motivation comes from knowing Madison couldn’t do many
of the things she would have loved to do.
She loved children, that was part of my motivation for getting a job at
a child development center. I am very
thankful that my boss took a chance on someone who hadn't had a job outside the
home in quite a few years, me. I love
where I work and the people and students I work with.
In 2019 I will continue trying to see the silver lining to
any disappointments that may come my way.
This is not a negative thought it’s realistic, disappointments will come
and go, how we deal with them defines us.
Madison showed a brave outward appearance, but there were times when she
would privately breakdown from the pain.
When I think I have it tough I remember my children who have had to live
through things that some people never will.
I don't say this to diminish anything anyone else has gone through, I
only speak from my own life experience.
Constant pain, being shunned because you are different, not being able
to keep up with friends, watching a beloved sibling die and the family
aftermath are just a few of the trials my children have dealt with over the
years, I could say more. Remembering these trials helps me remember my priorities; God, family and
friends. I remember that kindness
matters and can mean so much to the person on the receiving end. I try to be kind and am grateful to have been
the recipient of much kindness in my life and hope in the coming year and
beyond to be able to show more kindness.
So, in 2019 I will continue working with children not just
for me but for Madison too, because she would have loved it like I do. I will work toward my associate degree in
early childhood education. I will
proudly watch my son marry the love of his life, Madison would have loved her
too, we all do. I will watch my daughter
graduate from college, we are so proud, Madison would have been too. I will keep looking for the silver lining and
relish the good days. I am thankful for
2018 but happy to start 2019. So long
2018, and thanks for all the... lessons.
