2009 in Review

2009 was a very difficult year for our family, but from this past year I have learned a lot.

I thought last New Years eve that I was on top of the world. I have the perfect family and great friends. I was so excited to see what the new year would bring us. I wish I could have seen into a crystal ball....this past year was very difficult. It all started when my Brother-in-law left for Afghanistan in January. My sister and I drifted apart during his deployment..which I regret deeply. I went back to school in February to a complete mess! "My" room was not mine. I spent the most part of my February break trying to make it mine. In April, I lost a very dear friendship. It was the most difficult time in my life and I made it through it with flying colors but many of my relationships with people have been strained. Summertime was great. We spent most of the summer as a family. We did many activities and we always looked forward to spending our days with the kids. It was a great summer. In September, Justin got injured in Afghanistan and when we heard he a traumatic brain injury we were very worried. He still have the TBI but is working hard to get back to himself. During his recovery, they suffered a great loss. They had a fire in their apartment and lost most of their personal belongings. It was one of the scariest things I have ever witnessed. Things have started to look up for our whole family in December when we celebrated Brady's 1st birthday and our whole family was able to get together on Christmas to celebrate the holidays. It was one of the greatest days of this entire year.

2009 has taught me many things. One thing I have learned is that my family is the most important thing in my life. Everyone has rallied together and been a great support system for us. I learned that my daughter has the greatest eyes and when I see them they tell me that everything is going to be ok. I learned that my son has the greatest smile, when I see it I know that everything is going to be ok. I learned that people are not always what they appear to be and that is ok because as long as I am true to myself and my family that is all that matters in this world.

I am ready to see what 2010 brings us. I am excited to see what it brings us! Bring on 2010!!! WE are ready!