Goodbye, So long, Glad it's gone, But not Forgotten

Goodbye to 2008 tonight. I have such mixed feelings about the year in general. Our family had a year of first's without Nana for the year 2007. I thought it would be easier for all the celebrations this year as time is supposed to heal and all that. I don't know if that is really true because we moved in with Papa in May, just in time for Mother's Day. Then Grumpy and I were asked to speak in sacrament meeting on the anniversary of her passing. That was hard. I have had another year of first's because this house is so her. We have changed things around a bit, done some painting, gone through closets, drawers, cupboards, rooms in general and dealt with so many things. I am not complaining. It has been hard, sad, amazing and therapeutic all at the same time. In my efforts to clean out, sort, redirect, regroup and regift things I have been able to sort through my feelings too. I am really grateful that we can be here with Papa and do all these things for and with him. I know when going through things makes me sad, I can only imagine how it would make him feel if he had to do it alone. I am glad that through our efforts, things are becoming more organized, more relevant and we are downsizing our “stuff”. In truth, to make room for more “stuff”, but of a preparedness nature so we can feel more ready for whatever may come our way.

In letters to our children that kicked off our 12 days of Christmas this year, both Grumpy and I expressed our testimonies of getting prepared. We need to make this a big priority in our lives for two big reasons. 1) The prophet's have been telling us for years and it's about time we took it seriously, and 2) because we are going to need to be ready for the events and decisions that will affect our lives in the months and years to come. We have made a good start in 2008, but need to do even better in the coming year. We need to commit and dedicate ourselves and our needs should be re-evaluated to make sure they are needs and not wants.

I have learned so much this year and am grateful to the Lord for blessing my efforts to learn to can and preserve food. So thankful that we have had enough financial stability to set money aside to put food in storage. Grateful that the Christmas “Elves” were able to help our kids get a jump on their pantry items and hope they know how much we love them and want them to succeed. We have more to learn, and more to do ahead of us. I hope Papa will be able to teach me how to plant and harvest a garden this year and that it will be a successful effort.

It was a fine year. Many good things happened, there is still al lot of sadness too. Along with everyone else we are dealing with financial setbacks, regrouping and changing our long term plans to cope with the realities now and hoping that the economy will stabilize a little and allow us to breathe a little easier at least for a time. I'm not sad to see 2008 go, I am looking forward to better things in 2009. I hope. I'll try to be optimistic anyway.

From all of us here at Papa's, a Happy New Year to you and yours. May we strive for better, not just settle for good, so we will make all the way to best!