Reflection

As 2013 comes to a close, I can't help but look back at events, some good, some bad.

I lost my Grandmother, suddenly, even though we knew it could be anytime, it was still sudden. She was at home with the love of her life, on his shoulder in fact, and went peacefully in her sleep. I'm not good with remembering dates, but I believe it was a year and a half later that my Grandfather passed away, not quite so peacefully, after battling cancer. I miss them, dearly. I commend my uncles for staying with him through his battle, providing the care that he needed, showing love to him as he has to his sons all these years, and the faith to help him come to terms with what as happening. I know they are happy now, together in Heaven.

I took my first solo trip in March. I went to Richmond with the Honor Society from school, we had a blast! It was the first time I had been away from home since Eddie was born, and the first time I had been on a trip without family. I think I needed it. It was a little scary, good scary. Maybe it's simple to some people, but to anyone who knows my story, it was a pretty big step. I'm looking forward to taking my final trip with my group the last weekend of February!

Eddie turned 2! It's hard to believe that we are going on our third year with the little guy. He's our miracle baby, and not a day goes by that I don't remember it. Every time we pass the Surry County Hospital, Clarence or I one say, that's where our life started. It seems like such a short time ago that we were there with him. Now he's full speed what seems like 24-7, and I wouldn't have it any other way! He's mature beyond his years, surprises me with how smart he is, but is still going through the terrible two's as everyone else does. As my wise Aunt Karen tells me through each phase "this too shall pass". I can't wait to begin another year with him.

Clarence and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary, again, a short 5 years! In a way I feel like we have  been together forever (in a good way), but then it feels like the last 6 years together have flown by. We are strong, strong in our love for one another, our commitment to our family, and I look forward to many, many more years together. That man is my rock, my shoulder when I need it, he makes me laugh, and I'm proud to be his wife. I see so much of him in Eddie, most of it good, could do without the lack of patience he passed on though!

I worked over the summer at the OB-GYN office in Mt. Airy for my internship, it was great! It took a lot, and I mean a lot, to get there, but I made it and made a lot of friends while I was there. It was a 10 week course, leaving me with only 4 classes to take before graduating. Since then I have completed another semester and only have one remaining. I took Speech over the fall semester, the dreaded class since I began. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. I didn't choke, or die. My teacher was great, as they all have been at NRCC! I have two classes to go in the spring, and graduation is May 15!!

I started a new job. Shortly after my internship was over I started working at Results. I was happy to have a job, but wasn't sure I was going to like it, I have grown to like it. Do we ever like everything  about our job? No. As is the case with this one, but the work isn't bad, and I enjoy the people I am around. I'm a firm believer in making the best of every situation. I have come to find out (mainly in the last 7 years) that I really am a people person. I enjoy being able to have a serious conversation with a friend, but also being able to cut up and act silly. I never thought I would connect with people so quickly, either, something I can say I've learned about myself.

Clarence started a new job. He too enjoyed the people he worked with at his old job, and has remained good friends with most of those people, but it was time for a change. He had his reasons, and I respect those reasons and support him in whatever he chooses to do. He's now working for Jolly's Classic Cars and is really enjoying it. He works a lot, all the time it seems, when he's not working there he's working on something from home. Still making time to spend the evenings (and most mornings) playing with Eddie until bedtime, and telling each other about our days. Sunday's are our day together, the only full one minus holidays, and I cherish them.

My uncle found out he had cancer, not long after my Grandfather passed. Out of respect, I won't go into any detail, but am pleased to say he is doing great and has recovered well from surgery. I  thank God daily for having my Aunt's and Uncles in my life, but especially my Aunt Karen and Uncle Herman. They have been like my parents these last few years and I am so thankful for them. I honestly don't know where I would be without their love and support.

Clarence got another clean bill of health from his oncologist in September. What a relief! Believe me, there's been no lack of praying on my part, nor thanking God for that blessing. It's one of those things, you don't suspect anything is wrong but the conformation is fantastic. God is good.

My grandparents in Atlanta have had some rocky roads with their health, both seem to be doing fairly well now. If there's one thing I have learned this year it is that nothing is certain. Any one of us could go at anytime, and for that reason I want to spend more time with those I love. Going to see my grandparents is on the top of my list, because I know that their time is coming too, and I don't want to miss the time we have together. Due to family issues, I sometimes feel like I have a lot of years to make up in a short time. It's hard to plan a trip with their health not being good, sometimes they don't feel like having company! We will go down though, even if it's just for one day.

I'm an aunt again! I am SUPER proud to announce that I have a niece! Anna Grace Logan, I haven't gotten to see her yet as she has been in the children's hospital in Winston since birth, but it sounds like she will get to start off the new year at home, which is wonderful news. I can't wait to see them. I'm proud of her mama for doing so well, against all odds, to get her here, and thank God that they are both OK. I'm proud of my brother Jake for being such a great Dad to all three of his children, and being so supportive and helping Ashlee throughout her pregnancy. He's a hard worker, that's for sure. Need a tree taken care of? Call Jake!

I'm going to be an aunt, again!! Brother Ben and sister-in-law Dianna are due to have a baby girl in May! How lucky am I? Pretty lucky I think. Ben and I seem to cross paths a lot lately, but we make an effort to talk regularly, and see each other when we can. Life gets in the way sometimes. I'm proud of him as well, he's such a great dad and husband. He works ALL the time, but he does it to support his family and for that I commend him. He's always there when I need him, offering advice and support. I know that I never have to worry about him turning his back on me.

I didn't mean to ramble so, but if you're still reading, I hope I didn't leave anything out. I'm sure I did. I hope that everyone has a wonderful 2014! I hope you reach your goals, whatever they may be, and that you make the upcoming year the best yet. Love to all of my friends and family, thank you for being in my life, for understanding and not judging. Thank you for being you.

Peace, Love, Joy, and Happiness in 2014.