Thursday, December 31, 2015

Saying goodbye to 2015.......I am ready for the New Year are you?

Oh my 2015 you have been a challenge.  And I am very ready to see you depart so that a brand new year can start.  You have been a tough one, you have tried my patience, made me cry, made me laugh, caused me great sorrow and great stress.  But as I look back at you I have to realize that you caused me great joy, and great friendship, and you have made me realize that I am stronger than I thought I was.

So now that I have passed the tests, maybe not as eloquently or as fluidly as I could have, can we get onto a new year that has less stress and more peace?

I won't bore you with a whole year summary here, frankly I don't want to go back over it all but I do want to remember some of the more positive aspects.


The last two days have been a whirlwind of work and cleaning.  Christmas is all packed up and put away.  My house is clean, sheets are washed, laundry done so I can start the New Year with a clean slate.  I am a bit of a nutter about that and apparently get worse about it every year.  I don't want anything left over from a trying year to follow me into the New Year.



I had two favorite knits for the year, first is The Berry Edged Shawl I made way back in March.  And next is the Zick Zack Shawl I made for our dear friend who lost her husband in July.  This was a fun project as I re-purposed yarn to make it and it ended up far more beautiful than I had imagined.


My favorite crochet project of the year was the Jordan Sleeveless Pineapple Top, I made two of them, and although I have not worn them yet I love how they turned out.

All in total I made 27 projects with yarn this year, and used 14,830 yards of yarn, that is about 8 1/2 miles of yarn.  Not bad for an incredibly busy year that sometimes left me exhausted and ready to fall apart.


This boy of mine continues to amaze me.  He has learned to walk better with his canes, runs, jumps and, "flies" with his walker,  He is learning how to navigate his environment with one cane in physical therapy.  And at home he is learning how to undress and dress himself, can stand for 7-8 seconds all by himself, and lets not forget that big boy bike, we are getting better at it every day.


Way back in June, which feels like years ago, this gorgeous son of mine graduated from high school.  He is doing well in his college classes, and still likes living at home.


My wonderful sister Claudia made two visits to Florida, one was for fun and one was to say good-by to my Dad.  She has been my rock and my sounding board as I have navigated through dealing with his estate.  He has been gone 2 months and 2 days and we are ready to place his condo on the market, his medical bills are being settled, and every one that has needed to be contacted about his death has been.  Lots has been done in a short time.


My Dad's passing has hit me hard, much harder than I thought it would.  It was fast, I am thankful for that,  and that my sister could make it down here in time so we could deal with it together.  I am sure I could not have done it alone.  I was humbled to hold his hand and help him slip away, humbled and blessed to have had that experience.



While going through my parents papers and photos so many memories returned,  My sister and I laughed and laughed at hair styles, outfits and all that stuff that makes you giggle from long ago.  We also found photos I had never seen like the two above.  My Mom was a pistol, can you tell?   I have seen that look many, many times shot in my direction.  My Dad looked like a movie star!


Little Buddy helped us pull through the grief and get on with life, because that is what four year old's do the best.  They live in the moment and you better be right there with them.


My word for 2015 was Blessed.  While I am not sure I felt blessed even most of the time I know that I was.  I did not lose my home, or lose a loved one in senseless bombings or terrorism.  My family while having some health issues are relative healthy.  My sons are all moving forward with their lives, some slower that others, but they are finding their way.  I am lucky to have a family I love, and work that is fulfilling although exhausting.  And I am most certainly lucky to have this little place in the world where we can visit and continue our friendship.

Good by to 2015.  On to a brand New Year!

34 comments:

Sharron said...

On to a brand new year indeed Meredith, and I hope it will bring you nothing but good health and happiness. You have endured a lot this past year, and I hope you are blessed with peace throughout the next. Thank you for always being so thoughtful in leaving me lovely messages, despite being such a busy wife, mother and caregiver. I appreciate you, Sharron x

Amy at love made my home said...

Indeed, goodbye to the not so good memories in 2015, holding on to the good ones always and to wonderful new and happy things moving forward in 2016!! I hope that it brings great things the way of you and your family, especially Buddy who is really doing so very well and always seems to be so happy. He is a real lesson to us all isn't he. Hugs and love as always and to good things in 2016! Happy New Year!!!! xx

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Those photos of your parents are priceless ... truly a treasure. You always manage to knit and crochet such beautiful projects. I'm sure Little B is gonna amaze you even more in the new year. Wishing you and yours a blessed, healthy, happy, peaceful 2016. Hugs, Tammy

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

Your dad was gorgeous and you look just like him. Happy new year, Meredith. You are my hero!
S
xo

Lilbitbrit said...

Hi Meredith, I think that your thoughts were most eloquently shared, thank you for doing so. Thinking of you in the New Year.

Unknown said...

It has been an "exciting" year for you, hasn't it! But that little guy sure makes things interesting. I bet he has made you laugh even through the trying times. I bet when you adopted him you never thought how much he would help you through good and bad. I love those pictures of your parents! Yes your mom does look like she was a pistol. Your dad was very hansome. Wishing you a less stressful new year.
My mom still keeps fighting. With the cancer and now the congestive heart failure. But she has been here for longer then they said she would. Not always sure for her sake that that is a good thing. But it has made us closer.

Teresa Kasner said...

Dear Meredith.. you have had a rough year and also many joys.. and the measure of a person is how they deal with the hard times. I admire you so much for how you handled everything. I hope that this next year brings you many happinesses.. and I look forward to seeing LB grow and walk and run.

*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*
  *H*A*P*P*Y* *N*E*W* *Y*E*A*R*!*
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((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Ingrid K. said...

Dear Mere,

I feel glad to have shared your experiences via this blog. So much has happened, hasn't it? I love your beautiful makes and it is great to read about your family, too! Looking forward to reading more here and wishing you all the best for a lovely 2016!!!!

Ingrid xx
Myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

kathy b said...

Losing parents, watching them suffer....it is tough stuff.
I am so happy to read about your life on the blog. I love LIl Buddy's face.

busybusybeejay said...

All the very best for 2016.How amazing is Little B and always that wonderful smile.I am in awe of you with your busy life that you actually find any time to knit and crochet and yet you continue to produce beautiful projects.You are one amazing lady!

Shirley said...

Happy New Year to you and your family, I love your knitting and crocheting the colors that you choose. I am ready for a new year and get back to be independent doing what I want when I want and not relying on others. The fingers stay busy with what ever project. You just never know what tomorrow will bring. The joy of children regardless of size can give us much satisfaction. Have a wonderful day and a new year. Hugs and Prayers from your Missouri Friend Shirley

Betsy said...

Dear Meredith, I know this is been a very difficult year for you in many ways. But you've been an inspiration to me. Your grace and courage as you dealt with the loss of your dad so soon after your mom is amazing. You handled everything that you had to while still taking care of your family and a very active little toddler. You are an amazing woman!! Your crochet projects never cease to amaze me. You do such beautiful work. You inspire me every day. Thank you for giving me the privilege of calling you my friend. I hope 2016 is a wonderful year for you and your family my sweet friend.
Blessings, Betsy

Ljubinka said...

Happy New Year to you and your family!!
Hugs <3

kristieinbc said...

I hope 2016 brings you much joy, Meredith. All of your pictures in this post are wonderful, but the ones of your parents are the best of the bunch!

linda said...

You have had one trying year Meredith and have still found time to make some fantastic projects that's quite an impressive amount of yarn that you have busted there! Happy New Year to you and your family I hope that 2016 will be a good one for you all. :) xxx

Karen said...

Lovely photos of your parents. Happy New Year, Meredith, and may you continue to be blessed!

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

Your beautiful post has me in tears. I think you are so wise to start your new year cleanly with nothing from this past year to drag you down.
I have to say, your Father was very handsome, and I can see in that picture why anyone would have been attracted to your Mother. She must have been a very strong woman.
Happy New Year to you Meredith, I look forward to journeying alongside you here in our blogs through 2016.

20 North Ora said...

Happy New Year Meredith to you and your precious family. Here's wishing 2016 will be a great year for you all.

Love,
Judy

Judy S. said...

Happy New Year, Mere! May 2016 bring you only JOY!

Caffeine Girl said...

2015 certainly did give you a run for your money! If what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, then you must be super-strong! You an through so many crises and losses this year with grace and love. I'm sure 2016 is going to be easier!

Bridget said...

Happy New Year, Meredith! At least we're still here, right?

Gracie Saylor said...

I had forgotten you chose "blessed" as your word for the year. You have done well to focus on the blessings in the midst of your sorrows, Meredith. I chose "glory" and have had an interesting year contemplating what it means in my life. I think this year I am going to choose "mercy." Hugs and love to you always. xx

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Many blessings and love to you and your family for the coming NEW YEAR! i pray it will be a good year for all of you and the world! May peace, love and happiness follow all of you. xoxoRobin

Joyful said...

Your dad was so handsome and your mom such a beauty. I can see where all the good looks come from in your family. Buddy is so sweet and I love his "can do" attitude. You are strong my dear. You made it through a challenging year. May 2016 be a much better one. Big hugs and Happy New Year xox ♥♥♥

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

It's always good to have a point in the year to say goodbye to the bad & look forward to the new. All the best for 2016 xx

Babajeza said...

There was a lot of time to say good bye yesterday. Today I'm totally HELLO 2016. :-) All the best to you. Regula

Pradeepa said...

Happy New Year!

CJ said...

A Chinese friend of mine likes to tidy and clean everything madly before New Year, I really like the idea. Out with the old. That zick zack shawl is absolutely gorgeous, and well done, 27 makes, wow! I love the photos of your parents, your dad was movie star handsome indeed. 2015 was a hard year for you. I'm wishing you and yours a very happy 2016. Hugs, CJ xx

Jodiebodie said...

Happy New Year, Meredith! Thank goodness it is here! 2015 has been a super challenge for so many people that I know. I am looking forward to a new year and happy to say goodbye to 2015. Your clean up is a great idea: to start fresh, new and clean. Coincidentally, I had a big clean up too and was lucky enough to get the children on board so it was done with less effort than usual.
Thank you especially for the support you have given me through visiting my blog and sending encouragement and camaraderie through your kind messages. As we 'leap' into the new year, may the fresh sparkle continue to shine for you all year long. Hugs, Jodie xx

Janet said...

What a lovely round up of your year. It's good that you feel stronger for having dealt with all that has come your way. You are blessed with such a wonderful family, and I feel blessed that you count me as your friend.
May 2016 bring you joy, peace and love. Love Janet xxx

Anonymous said...

Wishing you a sweet and peaceful 2016.

Looks like Little Buddy has the perfect costume for Gasparilla Days!

Claudia said...

Beautifully said, sister. I love you. I see your second oldest son in that picture of Dad.... interesting!
Here's to a better year for all of us.

xo
Claudia

Sue Kosec said...

Yes, 2016 will be a better year for you. If not, learn from it, put on your big girl panties and move forward.

Much sunshine, confetti and glitter will sprinkle down on you in the next 366 days ... and that's a promise.

New Year Happies to you and yours!
xo
SuZeQ

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Meredith, it was a very mixed year for me also. I am ready for 2016 and hope it brings more Joy!
hugs,
Linda