What a year!
Highs, lows, and everything else in between. My mother and I have had conversations about the last four years. God helped us through all of it. That is the only way our family persevered. The blessings are abundant in my life now more than ever. My father's passing in July 2014 was rough. People have told me the first holidays after his death are the hardest and those people were not joking. I usually am unaware of when I will start crying and how long it will last. Christmas eve service at church was especially hard because in my head I heard my dad's voice singing a Christmas song. I have heard his voice twice in the last month and I immediately start crying. It is not an overwhelming sadness because it makes me happy to hear his voice. It was nice to hear his voice again. The memories of my father play out in my head quite a bit and that makes me happy. Thanksgiving and Christmas were weird this year and fortunately not too depressing. Thanksgiving the was the usual lunch with family in Orlando. Christmas was quiet. My mother, brother, and myself went out for Christmas dinner. We indulged a bit but who cares, right! I ate seafood which was a first for a Christmas meal. The seafood cravings that started soon after my thyroid surgery still continue. I think it is related to the lack of thyroid...not sure...very good possibility though. Good idea to keep eating seafood because of the nutritional value. As I reflect on this past year I think about the many changes in my life....moving, teaching changes, new relationship, and my father's passing. I remain hopeful for what God has in store for my life. Scary and exciting all at the same time! I am proud of myself for the improvements in my life, the lessons learned, and future lessons.
