It's Going To Be Fine in 2000 and 9!

In a few short hours, 2008 will roll away. It was a year of great joy and deep sadness. Love lost and love found.

I believe I always start the year with optimism but usually by February the optimism turns to mush and in the case of 2008, a lot of snow, and reality sets in. Perhaps the party hats, and twislers that had been put away, were put away too soon. Maybe that would have boosted up the good vibes had I blown them a little while longer.

When last year shined its' happy beams, we had no idea that we would help friend's celebrate their 40th in Osoyoos, or that my beloved and I would go on a cruise and a visit to Vegas. We hadn't anticipated that Valentine's day would mark the knowledge that our dear friend Earl's cancer had returned with even more of a vengence than the first bout. We grieve for Silvana, Cliff, Cathy and their children. We hadn't expected the wonderful news, when we needed it the most, that we were to be grandparents again in March-this was our 41st Anniversary present. Sadly this little angel Baby wasn't to be and we grieved the loss for April and Nick and Abby and for the rest of our family. And on that very sad, same day, we received the most wonderful news, Tyler had proposed to our daughter Amy! We celebrate that joy with Amy and Tyler, love found and a promise is made.

2008 also brought via Facebook connections to old friends and new. From cousins in Rupert, Calgary, Winnipeg and The Netherlands to friends from our Richmond days who we seldom see. It has been wonderful to share our stories and pictures, our thoughts and their responses to mine have been supportive, affirmative, uplifting, giggly, and crazy.

As we embark on 2009 our family is filled with great anticipation for the wedding of youngest daughter Amy, to her beloved, Tyler. That is all we know of 2009. As far as I'm concerned, 2009 is already a winner!

My prayer for you reading this last blog of 2008 is that even though you can't be certain about too many things, I pray that you whatever you have to face, you do so with courage, humility, grace and good humour. I will try to do the same.