So 2018 is about to end and I’m feeling very reflective. As I think back on this year and all that has passed, I’m left with many emotions: happiness, sadness, excitement, awe, fear….

Nicole has completed her first semester of Law School, Michael has finished his first semester at Fordham on a pre-med path and Dana has decided she may want to pursue a career in Computer Science. Not too shabby. To say I am proud is an absolute understatement. My heart is full whenever I think of these amazing kids and all they’ve accomplished so far. I am actually in awe of them.

I started a new job-the jury is still out on how I feel about working full time after 22 years of, well, not working full time. Perhaps a separate blog post on this subject is warranted. I’ll see.  I miss all my friends at my previous job. I’m out of the loop now, so to speak, but that’s not always a bad thing I guess…?

My grandmother turned 99 this year. She is now living in a nursing home. I try to see her and call her as often as I can. She is amazing. The sad reality is that the time is coming when I won’t be able to call her and have her crack me up like she still does at 99. I know it’s coming and I also know I am not prepared for it. Without getting into details, she has been my rock for the past 10-15 years. My confidant, my biggest cheerleader, my sounding board, my reality check and the one person in this world who loves me unconditionally–besides my dogs, of course.

Certain things that I had hoped would be resolved this year have not been. One particular situation just makes me sad and the other is so extremely frustrating that it sometimes gets the best of me. I am, however, still hopeful that things will get better, that 2019 will be THE YEAR.

So as we approach this brand new year, my wish for all of us is that we start the year with hope and some semblance of peace in our hearts. It is a fresh start, no resolutions needed. Just be. Be happy. Be kind. Be strong. Be hopeful. Be the best person you can be.

May we all have a Happy and Healthy New Year and may this be our best year yet!

Thank you so much for reading…..

Candidly, and with love and hope today and every day,

Donna