As I
sit here looking back at 2013, it strikes me once again that time seems to pass
more swiftly with each year. There are days, and even weeks, that seem
interminable but I blink and I’m a year older, the kids have grown that much
more, and I’m replacing the calendar yet again. Within those rapidly passing
days, we have had a pretty good year. In spite of our trials, or perhaps
because of them, we have been blessed. There have been changes for all of us,
mostly for the good and for that I’m immensely grateful. Here’s a look back at
what this past year held for us:
-Kevin
got a new job at Adobe. It was a hard change for all of us for a variety of
different reasons, but Kev is settling in there and I’m hopeful that it will be
a good thing for him and for our family.
-Spurred
on by the overwhelming frequency of the headaches, I’ve made some changes and
started some new routines that seem to be lessening the intensity of the ever
present headaches. They are still a force to be reckoned with, but at least I’m
having a few good days now.
-Daniel
is thriving in middle school. He is happy, loves school, is discovering new
talents and making new friends. He is doing better than I could have hoped and
adjusted to the changes in his routine quickly. He is already making plans for
what classes he wants to take in 8th and 9th grades
-Nathan
is discovering who he is and what he wants. He has finally quit choosing
activities and interests based on what Daniel has done. He is finding joy in
music, playing piano with far more talent and skill than I have. He has become
very responsible with his school work and has realized that he likes to
complete things early so he doesn’t have to stress about it at the last minute.
That’s a huge skill to learn, especially for a 10 year old.
-Matthew
has adjusted to first grade. It has been a rough road, but I think he is
finally settling in to the routine. He has been an allergy rock star in taking
charge of his own safety and has successfully learned to navigate the school
lunch room on his own. He also showed great courage in agreeing to his first
ever food challenge and is now able to eat almonds which has opened up a whole
new world of breakfast cereal to him.
-Malia
has come out of her shell and let the rest of the world see the funny little
thing that she is. She was so shy with other people for so long that others had
no idea what she is really like. Her personality is larger than life and she
keeps us on our toes. She knows what she wants, is fiercely stubborn and has
reached the stage where she wants to do things by herself. She is healthy and
curious and a joy to have around.
I
find myself considering where the next year will take us. I know there are more
changes in store, some anticipated and some that have not even occurred to me
as of yet. Hopefully they will lead us to an even better place than this past
year has.
