Reflections

As I sit here watching the New Years Eve specials on TV, I am reflecting on 2013. This year has been one wild roller coaster. Some of the twists and turns were expected. Others took me by complete surprise. In January, my sweet baby girl joined this world and made my family complete. She has been my ray of sunshine when I have needed it the most. I never could have known then how profound her birth would be.

The months seemed to fly by with all the craziness of life. Gage had his therapy to help with his speech and I wasn't ever sure if I was ever going to hear my sweet baby boy say "Mommy". I now hear it daily a million times and I don't think I will ever tire of it. His speech has improved significantly. Everyday I hear new words. Tonight, he counted to 20 with me. Gage was evaluated in August for Autism. I fought the diagnosis but in October I relented in order to get him the services that could help him. I am excited for the road that lies ahead of him in the coming year. I love him more than anything in the world and I only hope I can help him grow into an amazing young man.

In July, I lost a very dear friend, Jill Balboni. She had lived with Cystic Fibrosis her whole life and struggled to breathe daily. Jillian is named after her. I am so happy that Jill was able to see this. I am saddened that she never was able to meet Jillian in person. I do know that Jill is with us everyday. I look at Jillian and all I think about is Jill. Oh and it helps that Jillian has taken to shoes and sparkly things. These were some of Jill's favorite things. With Jill's passing, I was reminded that life is short. I know we all know this but I think that sometimes its easy to forget in the hustle and bustle of life. In Jill fashion, she reconnected many of her friends. I was also able to get to know others that I never had the opportunity to for whatever reason. I am grateful for that. Jill taught me so many things. I am not sure if I could even recall all of it. Jill was an amazing person. I am so lucky to have had her in my life.

Reflecting on everything that has occurred in 2013, I am excited to move into 2014. I feel like there is so much  opportunity ahead of me and my family. I am excited to see how my children grow and flourish. Life is  a journey not a destination. Happiness is not something you search for...you create it in yourself. No one can make you happy but yourself. The experiences we have in life are meant to teach us and help us grow. It's all about perspective. With that said, this year my resolutions are going to be for me to live in the moment and slow down. I don't want to miss a thing with my children and family.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!

Until next time...