Monday, December 31, 2012

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.

 

21 comments:

  1. Sandie, it would be nice if we could grow at our own pace, but so often growth is forced upon us with circumstances other than our choosing. Wishing you and Jim serene 2013.

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  2. Maybe 2013 won't be as much of a challenge for all of us.....

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  3. Love this, Sandie... great post. Happy New Year.. 2013? here we come...

    67 years... sigh

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  4. A safe, happy and healthy New Year to both you and Jim!

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  5. You two are very special to Paul and I. I have grown through your trials. God bless you both!Wishing you the best year yet!

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  6. Well said, Sandie! And a Happy New Year and hopefully less medical appointments for both of you!

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  7. What a wonderful post, dear friend. I'm wishing everything wonderful for both of you in 2013!! (See you soon!)

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  8. Nice post from the heart Sandie. Wishing you & Jim all the best for the New Year. Would you believe I have never caught a fish in my life. Caught a few colds along the way, but never a fish. Oh Dear...

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  9. More and more of our RVing friends are becoming part-timers. It's part of the evolution. We hope to do the same in 2014-2015 at the latest. It is what it is and we do what we have to. Hugs to you both!

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  10. We're so glad we got to meet you and Jim in person at Q this year. It was a highlight for us.

    Here is looking for many fish for Jim to catch in 2013. :c)

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  11. Each year has its lessons and challenges. We all grow and adjust with the times as they unfold. I think I could be a content fisher woman given the right circumstances, but don't see that happening. Good for you for allowing Jim to be...

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  12. Happy New Year to both of you. Hoping 2013 allows you more time to relax. You could do some day trips or weekend trips with girlfriends while Jim is fishing. Compromise is very important for a happy marriage.

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  13. So touching Sandie. You are a fine lady and I am proud to be your friend. See you soon.

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  14. Interesting that you define yourself as a 'snowbird' rather than a 'full-timer'. My definition of a full-timer is someone who does NOT return to their stix and brix home come Spring.

    No matter. I also hope for you a wonderful 2013.

    I'm in Gila Bend tonight and will be in the Phoenix area tomorrow through to ??? whenever the repairs get done.

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  15. Sandie, you have been through so much and yet have been there to encourage and pray for John and I. Just know that we appreciate you and love you. Let's pray that 2013 is a year of good health for both of our men.

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  16. The two of you do what works for you!!!
    Fish on!!

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  17. Yes, patience is something we all have to learn. I just hope my patience didn't die with Bill. I want to keep the patience I've been taught by my husband ..but now he is gone and I have been fighting to keep it. I feel like just letting it go and then I think of the family he gave to me....wonderful sons and grandchildren.. and it makes me stop and THINK what a beautiful gift they are to have...and I don't want to let them down. And then there are all our friends who have been so very kind and understanding too along with my family. LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND SO I'M GOING TO TRY MY BEST TO DO MY BEST!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO BOTH OF YOU, SUCH DEAR FRIENDS!!! LOVE CAROL

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  18. Great post, being snowbirds sounds good to us right now. Full-timing is what you decide it to be and it evolves as we go along on this great adventure.

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  19. There are not manuals and aging is not for wusses. I know this from experience. Neat post.
    R

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Thanks for visiting today. I look forward to reading your comments. Have a beautiful day.