The first morning of 2019 and I've been relaxing since about 6 am(it's now 10:30). I had a successful New Year's Eve because I was in bed before 9:30 and slept through any neighborhood craziness. This morning ushering in a new year also means for me the last day of a great vacation that started on Friday, December 21st. By now you all know that our vacation ended up being a stay-cation and that was all ok by me. For Wendy and I the time spent together this Christmas season was awesome, we made memories and had fun together and probably spent more time together than we get to do all throughout the year, especially 2018.
On this morning I was reflecting how 2018 brought some great memories and some of the saddest memories we've ever experienced. Everyone knows and I've blogged previously that 2018 was dominated by my mother-in-law's long illness and death in November, sandwiched in between two pretty debilitating illnesses for Wendy. Yet 2018 brought us such great joy in the March birth of our 3rd grandbaby, precious and beautiful Brennan Leigh! And with Brennan being just 25 miles down the road, we visit with her often; Wendy even watches her one or two days per week. I want to mention a few other highlights of 2018; Wendy and I had two awesome trips to North Carolina, one in May and the other in September, to visit grandchildren #'s 1 and 2. We even had our first ever all day only Katelyn day as our #1 Calvin is now a full time student. The other big event was the 2018 National Diaconate Convention in New Orleans where I was affirmed in my ministry, met with deacons from all over the country, even other countries, got to spend a week in my city of birth, and spent a nice quality week with Wendy, at the time a much needed break for her. And we had some great food while in New Orleans.
So as I mentioned tomorrow it's back to work for me. The break could not have come at a better time as the last 6 weeks of the work year were nothing but stress. I will admit, I did not handle it well; not at all. So I did use this time to recharge my batteries, adjust a little attitude and I return fully understanding the work I do is important and so needed. So back to work I go. I will tell you this; I'm going to miss spending time with Wendy and that's a good thing. We discovered this week, among others in 2018, at the end of the day we not only love one another, but like one another and spending time together is enjoyable, even fun.
2019 does indeed mean Happy New Year but for now, until the 6th, then for another week until the 13th this year, it is still Merry Christmas. Heck the 12 days of Christmas does not end until January 6th. The Church extends Christmas season until the Sunday when we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, this year the 13th. So Happy New Year yes but don't mind me if I still say Merry Christmas!
Looking forward to 2019 I now know that you can't plan life so meticulously as life happens. One year ago we certainly did not anticipate Wendy's illnesses or her mom passing. Think of the folks in the Carolinas or the eastern Florida panhandle; a year ago they never expected such devastation from hurricanes, or the people who lost everything in the California fires. Yes, it is ok to plan, and certainly to look forward, but life is much easier lived when we realize that things happen, we are not in control and we truly need to depend more on God for everything.
I do have some high hopes and plans and I did even make a resolution for the new year. The resolution is to use my turn signal/blinker always! Yep, I'm one of those drivers. And by the way, I'm serious. In 2019 Wendy and I are off on our very first cruise, in fact, later this month and we will be visiting Cozumel. I'm not a cruise guy so we will see; however, Wendy could not be more excited. Also in 2019 we will be celebrating Brennan's 1st birthday in early March. Perhaps, and I stress perhaps, 2019 will bring some hard decision related to my chronically ill knees. In the ministry of the Permanent Deacon, in addition to always being present every weekend at Mass and every other Wednesday at the prison, I will be looking forward to our next Bible Study, starting just next week, as we cover the Book of Revelation.
I will turn 62 this year, entering the 63rd year of life and Wendy and I will celebrate anniversary # 42. These "numbers" are starting to become overwhelming both in terms of reflection and memory making and the realization that now more than ever, everyday counts. While I minister as a Permanent Deacon and count the titles of husband, father, "Pops" among my most cherished, it's also time for me to grow closer to and depend more on God. That personal relationship thing is real. I really want to spend more time in Scriptures this year as well as church history.
So the college games are now starting to come on, Wendy has some cabbage and black-eyed peas going on the stove so time to wrap this up. Welcome 2019, thankful for my long vacation and time spent with Wendy, looking forward to the future, remembering fondly the past year while we miss Wendy's mom and hopeful for a big LSU Tigers win today(Geaux Tigers) and playoff success for the New Orleans Saints!
Thanks be to God for blessings and life and love!
Happy New Year; Merry Christmas(still)
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