2012 Reflections

Apache Junction, AZ  High 49  Low 31

It’s time to say good bye to another year. They certainly are whipping right along lately.

2012 was a year of medical issues for Jim. As I reflect back on this year, it’s amazing the lessons I’ve learned when I was dealing with one crises after another. Patience, acceptance, faith, love, friendship – all of these grow so much stronger.

I remember watching my Dad deal with my Mom’s Alzheimer's and seeing his growth during that time. Never a patient man, I watched him learn to develop that patient as he went over to the nursing home to feed Mom three times a day. He would just sit with her, holding her hand, for hours in the afternoon. This was a man who did not know how to sit still for five minutes. He had things to do and places to be. Not really a family man. However, in the end, the most important place for him to be was with his wife of 67 years. I want to be like my Dad.

Al has a marvelous post on aging. He says it so much better than I can. Most of you have probably read it, but if not, take a look.

I’ve also accepted the fact that we are snowbirds rather than full-timers. My definition of full timing anyhow. This was a hard one for me. Marriage is so much about compromise and learning to be selfless. Recognizing the needs, abilities, and limitations of your partner. I was 37 years old when I got married. Settled into my ways and having things how I wanted them, whenever I wanted them, however I wanted them. Motherhood taught me a lot about getting over myself. Now being empty nesters has continued to teach me about loving and being loved.

I have a need to be on the move, exploring, seeing new things, meeting new people. And I am grateful for the times we do these things. But Jim needs to fish. Fishing for him is right up there with breathing. I love him and have learned to understand this need. So we have become snowbirds with travel and exploring in the spring and fall as we head north or south. And hopefully one more trip to the East coast in our future.

My hope is that 2012 was a year of growth for all of you. However, it sure would be nice is 2013 wasn’t quite so growth oriented.

Thank you to all of my wonderful blog readers and friends. Life is much fuller with all of you in it.