Goodbye 2012

2012. Happy to see it go. It started so well with a week in Palm Springs last January, swimming and just enjoying each other. Mom moving so close to me in March was a gift. It has been wonderful to be together at this time of our lives. My family gathered for Shelley and Greg's wedding in September and we spent more time than usual with our son this year. Michael's 60th birthday celebration with he and Kimberly in Seattle was a highlight of the year for us. 

Still, the bad outweighed the good. 

The worst of the year was developing bronchitis in March and never being able to shake it. My lung capacity and DLCO are still horrible and my overall health is much declined from this time last year. The discovery of my mom's heart issue, Betty's appendix bursting, Chip's broken foot, Lee's job issues and another relative's recent discovery of severe cirrhosis of the liver are all worrisome. So much in one year! 

It also was an expensive year. First, the garbage disposal needed to be replaced then the water heater then all the kitchen appliances and the washer is acting up right now. We had not anticipated any of these expenses. Big ouch. 

Looking forward to 2013? This is the year to look internal for me. What will it be? Yoga? Tai Chi? Something else? I don't know yet. It is still an unopened package waiting to be reveled. Betty still faces some surgery in January for an abscess and hernia surgery. Chip's job is scheduled to end in March and they may have to move. Lee will know if she gets her new job in two weeks. 

My mom says she can never understand why people cheer in a new year. It is an unknown. The new year may bring with it a whole lot of bad. Maybe it is her experiences in life for 84 years that makes her a bit more cautious than the rest of us. 

But, it is a new year. Hope. A new beginning.