Usually, I write a pensive entry at the end of the year because I tend to get that way in December.  This year, I spent most of December in and out of bed, nursing a sore back and sciatica in my left hip.  I’m still not 100% but I’m getting there and dealing with only an occasional hip spasm instead of intense pain and spasm when I move.

2014 was a year of recovery for us, financially, emotionally, physically.  It took the better part of the year to rebuild after 2013.

We had a wonderful vacation with family in July and an amazing time with Rob’s family visiting at Thanksgiving.  My CASA kiddos continue to thrive and other than my pesky back and colds in November, we were healthy all year.  The business bounced back and we were busy all spring and summer, with only a slow down at the end of the year.  We adapted to life with just cats but oh how we miss having a dog.  We grieved with our friends and family over the loss of Melissa.  We watched Solace grow into a spitfire who will give her parents a run for their money.  Natalie started kindergarten and Ryan went to preschool.  Rob had the awesome joy of showing his aunt the ocean for the first time and his uncle meeting our niece and nephew.  Ryan loved having an uproariously fun tickle session with Leo.

Highlights and some lows for me..

• watching Chris walk his grandmother on the beach in Monterey, 25 years in the making.
• The sheer joy of seeing my husband and his brother connect with their family, bringing together both of our larger families for the first time in 8 years.
• Sending my husband off to learn to fly fish with my dad and hearing about how much he enjoyed himself.
• HAVING A DISHWASHER.  Sounds ridiculous until you live without one for 20 years and then have one.
• Our kitchen repairs were finished and we enjoy cooking and baking again.
• Finding my feet with CASA.  Being an advocate is one of the greatest joys of my 40s thus far and I take immense joy from interacting with my girls.  They are funny, bright and appreciate my consistency.
• Visiting with Anne and Jamie this summer.  I miss them so very much and I’m so glad they come home every other year and make time for us.
• Melissa.  John, their families and close friends who feel her loss the most profoundly are still at the forefront of our minds. We cannot know their pain but we walk beside them, sometimes in silence, sometimes with tears.

And here we are.  2015, the future, a new year.  When there is nothing else left, we have each other and for that, I’m thankful above all else.