Monday, December 31, 2012

REFLECTING ON 2012


I know… I should be partying (as if!) or watching the Times Square New Year’s ball drop on TV. But it’s only 10:00 here and we’ve got the PBS 70s soul music special on. Perfect for multi-tasking, great background music for composing a blog post.

2012 was an exciting and emotional year.

In no particular order (as Tom B, says on Dancing With The Stars)…

My memoir, Second-Chance Mother, came out in print in January. The ebook was out in November 2011, but that didn’t seem as real to me. I’ve done a number of book events this year, including a tour to Northern California, and I’m feeling so rewarded by the reception I’ve received to my story, from both friends and readers I don’t know personally.

In May, my son Josh and I reconnected after a few years without contact. We’ve been through so many ups and downs in the last 17 years of reunion, and we’re both working hard to make this new start a success.

Our daughter-in-law Lainey beat breast cancer, after a year of chemo, surgery and radiation. We are certain that her strength and positive attitude, as well as the love of our son, her husband, Jeff, made all the difference.

We’re in awe of our grandson Jordan, now a senior in high school, aced the math SATs, to become the first ever in his high school to get a perfect score. He’s now applying to colleges and we’re sure every one of them is going to want him.

Our granddaughter Naomi turned 16, has her driver’s license, a car and a part-time job. Her responsible attitude makes us so proud.

In February, Henry and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. I use the term celebrate lightly, since we haven’t truly marked it yet. We plan to take a special vacation in the coming year, for that and Henry’s retirement (in June, when he turned 70). I turned 62 in August and started taking my SS. Talk about feeling old!

Lots of babies born this year — great/grand nieces and nephews: Brietta (to niece Emily) and Zane (to niece Becky), and to sons and daughters of friends, to whom we are honorary aunt/uncles: Avery (to Sean and Kimberly Daniel), Lauren (to Heather and Jeremy Smith), and Ruby (to Kayce and Matthew Rainsberg).

On a more somber note, I see my dad slowing down. He’ll be 87 in February, and all in all is doing great. My sister Debby has had a number of health problems, as well as a knee replacement (not a problem, but other issues have interfered with her recovery from that). A dear friend, Nadine, in California, has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and I am very worried about her. But she’s a fighter, and I’m hoping for her recovery.

Who knows what the new year will bring. Here in Arizona, we’re now closing in on the midnight hour. That's just how long it took me to write this, while listening to fab 70s tunes!

Wishing all of my friends and readers a wonderful 2013!

6 comments:

Susan said...

Happy New Year!

Gail said...

Thinking of you and glad to hear all the news! Happy New Year!

DENISE said...

Thank you Gail. I'm going to be speaking at the AAC conference in April, in Cleveland. Any chance you can attend? I so want to meet you in person!

gail said...

Unfortunately my work schedule interferes with my free time. Any chance you could swing by Chicago coming or going? If so, that would be awesome and of course you could stay at my house.

DENISE said...

Thanks for the invite, Gail. I'll let you know the logistics and timing later. I would love to spend some time with you!

gail said...

Ok - It would be great if things work out because I'd love to spend time with you too!