Today Begins a New Year!

Today begins a new year. As I sit here thinking of how I'd like to see this year go, I can't help but reflect on last year.

And I'll admit; last year was probably the hardest I've ever been through; we've ever been through, as a family.

We started out the year with the possibility of breast cancer. And my niece being hospitalized for the third time. Oh yeah; and I came very close to death. A simple surgery turned bad and many, many, months of recovery. A husband without a job, a wife who couldn't work; children who needed so much and who didn't understand anything that was happening to them or to the ones that they loved.

And finally, losing the battle to keep the youngest two safe from anymore harm and not understanding at all what God was doing or why, but learning even more to trust, have faith, and carry on.

And then, my returning to work after many years of being home.

What did we learn in 2010?

That God always, always, will take care of us. Even when it seemed impossible, He found new ways to prove it to us; through our family, friends, church family, and strangers. In the simplest things; and in ways we never dreamed of.

So, what would I like to see happen this year? I'm not sure.

I know B-boo is turning 16; she's growing up so fast.

The Talented One will graduate from high school and start college during 2011…and the Good Looking One will graduate from college and begin his career as a full fledged adult, ready to take on what life has to offer.

Hopefully, the Smart One will receive his black belt in Karate, and the Drama Queen will start middle school before the year is out.

And I pray that the youngest two will finally have the home and the family that they deserve and so desparately need. And that they will be safe, and loved, and cherished. And that we'll finally get to love on them; we miss them so much.

We're looking at a year of uncertainties; we don't know where we'll be living, or whether these hard times will turn around or not, but of one thing I am certain.

I know God will continue to take care of us. That our family will become even closer. And we can look forward to the year with joy in our hearts and anticipation for what it will bring.