"What a long strange trip it's been"...words from the Grateful Dead song 'Truckin' really describe this past year in my life. There have been many twists and turns...some good, some not so good...all moving me forward in this journey we call 'life'.
For me 2008 began with a tragedy that rocked my world and left me stunned and confused. Although it was not a 'personal' tragedy in the sense that it did not happen to me or anyone I knew personally, it touched me deeply and served to change my perspective greatly. In the end the year, as well as the tragedy, has left me with some great new friends and a heightened appreciation for all of the people in my life...friends and family both past and present. I have learned this year not to take for granted anything or anyone...every moment is precious...there are none to waste. As the New Year approaches I am looking forward to the freshness and hope it brings with it...and at the same time I am remembering back to more innocent times.
I have a new grandson...my first...and I wish that he could experience the world as I once knew it...simple, safe, uncluttered. I wish that I could take him back to the days when mommy's didn't work outside the home, when families sat down at the dinner table together, went to church on Sunday, had time to go on picnics and camp-outs together, when children could play outside after dark and trick-or-treat in neighborhoods instead of shopping malls. I am lucky in one sense because my son, his father, shares my love of the outdoors and the simpler things in life so I know that he will teach him to appreciate the earth beneath his feet and world around him...it is just that in our world today no one is safe...and that scares me. I will do my best to give him a safe haven. And I will make sure he knows that he is precious and loved...every moment of every day for as long as I live.
Lovely post...It's hard to believe it's been almost a year, huh???
ReplyDeleteCongrats on new Grandson.
Hugs to Tayler,
K