Adieu 2009
2009. I will remember 2009 for a very long time. It has been a year of challenges, of transitions, of growth. In 2009, we lost a brother, a brother-in-law, and a former sister-in-law; we lost a dear friend and several acquaintances. We experienced the emergency hospitalization of a child, and health issues of other family members. I have learned the power of love, of faith and of eternal optimism.
In 2009, my oldest daughter turned 21, and forged ahead with her university experience in New York City. She continued to grow and to explore her incredible creativity in ways that amaze me. Her photography and writing are lyrical and clear. There is a sweetness to the sound of her words; her photography gives insight into how she sees the world: with clarity, eyes open wide.
In 2009, my youngest daughter completed her high school work, turned 18, and began her latest Big. Adventure. We took her to the airport the day after Christmas this year, so she could fly to Chicago for her connecting flight to San Francisco. She would spend the night in the city by the bay, and the next evening depart for Brisbane, Australia, via Auckland, NZ. Those in the mid-west will remember the weather of December 26, 2009, and so will we.
The airlines changed her flight from the one that was scheduled to one on another airline so she would make her flight in Chicago. We took her backpack to be checked, and she hugged us, walked confidently to security, never looking back. It was wonderful to see her walking forward, head held high, shoulders back, into her future. Roots and wings manifested.
I know that goodness, kindness and love are abundant on this planet. I have seen it—even in difficult times. Here is to a new year—one with random acts of kindness and senseless beauty, one in which we can be the change we wish to see in the world.
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Hattie said,
January 1, 2010 @ 1:05 am
Happy New Year, Debra. Like you, I mourn my lost loved ones at this time of year but also rejoice in the promise of the future that I see in my children and grandchildren.
Best.
spindelmaker said,
January 1, 2010 @ 6:24 am
I wish you a wonderful year, filled with love and peace and more interesting experiences to learn from. The circle of life can sometimes be thought. I find that when loosing a dear one, I try to focus on celebrating the time we had together, remembering the things I learned from him or her, rejoicing at the memories. Of course it is still sad, but it does help me in keeping the perspective.
Reya Mellicker said,
January 1, 2010 @ 1:21 pm
Whew what a year! May 2010 be far more gentle with you! Yikes.
Love seeing John and Yoko. I listened to “Imagine” first thing this morning, part of my new year’s ritual. Yeah!!
Jodi Anderson said,
January 1, 2010 @ 3:49 pm
Merry new year, Debra.
I don’t know why exactly, but 2010 seem to hold so much promise.
Lana said,
January 1, 2010 @ 4:03 pm
My sympathies on your 2009. It reminds me of my own 2005. At least we both made it–that’s a very good sign. Best to you for 2010!
rudee said,
January 1, 2010 @ 4:05 pm
This was beautifully written, Debra. Happy New Year to you and your wonderful family.
Cat B said,
January 2, 2010 @ 9:35 am
So sorry for your sad losses this past year, Debra. How wonderful to celebrate having raised 2 strong independent adventurous women! A great accomplishment. May 2010 be full of wonderful new adventures for you too and peace and happiness. Here’s to a good one!
mari said,
January 2, 2010 @ 12:41 pm
Thank you for your awareness and reminder that there is light in the darkness,and hope for a better tomorrow in the midst of today’s despair. What a full year of loss and sadness and pride, accomplishment, connection and joy.
The snow is falling steadily and beautifully this New Year’s morning. A visit to your blog was almost as lovely as visitiing you. Thanks for the John and Yoko vid too.
Wishing you peace
ds said,
January 3, 2010 @ 2:36 am
Lovely post, Debra. Am especially taken by the strength and confidence of your daughters, and the different paths (literally) they have chosen. Well done! I hope 2010 goes well for you and all your family; a year of gains, without losses. Peace and joy to you!
Laura/centerdownhome said,
January 7, 2010 @ 9:01 am
I’m playing catch-up! I missed so much between the rush of the holidays and the spotty internet service post-holiday. So, 2009 was something else, wasn’t it? I think that 2010 will bring changes. They feel like big changes, a long time coming, but good things, when the dust settles.
Happy New Year to you and yours. xoxo
Lisa said,
January 23, 2010 @ 5:26 pm
Happy New Year, Debra! I was excited to see the mention of H’s travel to Brisbane – Nina spent a semester there and loved it so much. Glad to hear all are well. Peace to you in 2010!