A New Year
New Year's Eve is five short days away and I can honestly say I am ready for a new year. This year has been filled with unexpected bumps in the road, but God truly provides even in the darkest times. I never thought in a million years we would have so much illness hit our family, but I am grateful for the insight and help we have received this year. I have always been a strong woman, but as I write this, I am sad I am not with my family. Cole came down with the flu four days before Christmas and we didn't want to get anyone sick, so Cole stayed home with my husband on Christmas Eve. We have tag-teamed staying home with Cole, so I had Christmas day duty, which meant Cole and I got to hang out, enjoy watching movies Santa brought him, and eating candy. I am thankful Cole is now feeling better, but when your baby is sick, everything stops.
Christmas has always been a stressful time for me because no matter how much I love the meaning of Christmas (Jesus' birth), people always make it about the presents. Why should we have to gift family members when there are so many people that don't even have a roof over their head? I have always been taught that Christmas is about giving back to those less fortunate. I have a friend that totally gets this concept of giving back, so I wanted to donate to her non-profit organization, Operation Rubber Duck. My friend, Stephanie, and her daughter gave toys to so many kids the past three days through her non-profit organization because she knows what it's like to grow up poor. She is an amazing lady and is an incredible example for her daughter.
I know many people think giving back to those less fortunate just isn't cool, but let me tell you something: at the end of the day, who do you answer to? God has given me so much and for that, I am so grateful. However, I have witnessed with my own eyes those who have so much refuse to give back to those less fortunate. I have always had a soft heart for those less fortunate, so it is only natural to make a donation to a local women's shelter for those leaving an abusive situation for me. I look forward to the day when we live in a world free of abuse and a life full of peace. I give thanks for having such a strong faith, because without it, I seriously don't know where I would be in this life.
As I take time to reflect on this past year, I am thankful for happy times with my family, but I am ready for this year to be over. My son, Cole, keeps asking me, "Are you ready for 2018, mom?". New Year's Eve is his very favorite holiday, so I know I will be ready when that ball drops at 11:59 pm in New York. May you find joy in the small victories and take time to say I love you to those who mean the most to you. I am grateful to see 2017 through, and relieved it's almost over. May 2018 be a better year for everyone!
