Mood:  lyrical

Another year has almost come and gone; and what a year it’s been.  I cant believe that my life just keeps getting better and better, but it does.  Last year I wrote about all the wonderful times I’d had and the friends I’d made, and this year it’s happening all over again. 

I wake up every morning and pinch myself to make sure I’m really me and this is really my life.  It’s a dream come true … a fairy tale … a made-for-tv movie.  Even my bad days are good. 

The celebrations started early in the week with a card and gift from my very best friend since grammar school. We’ve been like sisters all these years … when my kids were small, they even called her ‘aunt’.   The next day I got a gift in the mail from another ‘sister’ … one that I met about four years ago.  A gift that was as perfect as it gets.  It’s not about the gift (which was absolutely fantastic by anyone’s standards) but the fact that it was something that she knew I’d love … because she knew me.  Because she’d noticed the things I like.  I feel blessed to have such a friend … whom by the way, my daughter also calls ‘aunt’.  Today I got homemade brownies from my coworkers, and two Maxine cards (Maxine and I have a lot in common!)  The celebration will top off tomorrow night when my daughter takes me to the Bluebird.  It’s become a tradition to celebrate in Nashville.  I feel more at home there than I do anywhere. 

I’ve continued friendships this year that I’ve made over the past few years … some have developed from acquaintances into strong friendships, some have remained acquaintances, and some have slowly drifted into a less familiar friendship.  But I certainly wouldn’t trade any one of them away, because each and every person that has crossed my path, this year and in years past, has enriched my life more than they could ever know. 

I wouldn’t ask for a “do-over” of one single minute of the past year.    Even the ‘bad’ moments have helped to make me who I am.  I hope I’ve handled those moments in a way that I can be proud of as the years continue to roll by.

I am blessed with good health, a loving, caring, supportive family, and the best friends a gal could ask for. 

So to all of you I say … thank you for being there for me … and for putting up with me, even on the days I know I was a pain in the behind.  And for letting me rant and ramble and cry on your shoulder, and for being my sounding board when I need to vent. 

I’m already looking forward to next year!!  And I’m glad you will all be along to make the journey with me.  I am so blessed to have you!  I love you all.