2012 The year in a life

SHINING STARS

Grayer, Wyatt and Levi

The year 2012 has come and gone.  Lessons learned, losses and new loves, growing, changing and 

acceptance.  Sadness and pure joy !  It has been an incredibly humbling year for me as I've learned more about LIFE this year then any other that I can remember.  

It's a good feeling to know that we can still continue to learn at any age..... keeps life exciting and challenging.   A long list of things learned could take pages, for now...I want to share a few things that I've learned that will continue to shape me into the person that I will continue to grow into.

My daughter showed me that babies can be born in a peaceful, natural and beautiful way.  I have to admit that I was worried about her choice to have a home, water birth with her 2nd child.  Often, our concerns and fears are born of lack of knowledge, which in this situation was definitely the case for me.  Mel took time to explain the birthing process, introduced me to the incredible midwives, and taught me by her confidence and excitement, that this was a good choice for her and her family, and thus, for me.  The Birth - day arrived and it was an incredible , peaceful and yes BEAUTIFUL way to be born.  An incredible way to start a life on this earth, and our shining star, Wyatt Madden eased into the arms of his mom and dad, brother Levi and into all of our hearts on August 10, 2012.  Thank you Mel, for all of your lessons and for making the brave and perfect choice for your family and most importantly, for your wonderful new son, Wyatt.

September brought new lessons, and challenges for many of us....as Rick's sister, Robbin fell ill.  And as we were to learn shortly, terminally ill.  The "battle" had begun and Robbin said that she felt that she'd be ok as she had "lots left to do in this world"....she fought, she kept busy living her life, by attending her daughters' wedding, and enjoying her friends in Texas.  Soon she was in the hospital, never really to go home again.  Rick was able to be with her, comfort her, care for her and share  time in a loving and supportive way.  Rick was her strength and security as she left for heaven to join her heavenly family and loved ones.  I've learned once again, what an incredible man Rick is, steady, caring and nurturing....and more importantly, he learned that about himself too.  The sadness of loss is still close to the surface for him and we all feel a little off balance by the change her leaving us has brought.  

October brought a big birthday for Levi Andrew as he turned 2 years old and was getting used to having a little brother.  The excitement of everyday things starts each morning for  Levi as he starts each day  with great energy .  He is a "OH WOW" kind of little guy and it's such an affirmation for me when I'm able to be with him.  His curiousity and love of closeness and affection make my heart so happy as he makes me feel needed, important and loved - just as I hope that I make him feel the same !

Sweet baby "G", Grayer, also had a special birthday this summer and I continue to love watching him navigate his way thru his life...we all could learn to take baby steps, tread carefully and keep trying whenever we fall.  Lessons I'm learning from all my little shining stars...Grayer, Levi and Wyatt.  You are all beyond precious to me !  Every day is NEW when I'm with you !

October also brought a challenge....saying Good-bye to a big part of my heart.....our special Gma/gma great, Leota Church was tired, and was ready to try new horizons.  Always ready for what comes next, Gma taught us her final lesson, in leaving this world, peacefully, with acceptance, without fear, and with complete trust in her Lord.  She left this world a better place and she will continue to be a guiding force for all who  knew her.  I will always love her for her words of wisdom, shared lovingly and honestly, for her genuine curiousity and eagerness to learn.  And for her LOVE of FAMILY !  I could cry every day for my sadness, but she would be telling me that "you are going to have a tough life if you can't deal with change".....and of course, I know that she will continue to shine down on all of us, and I will always hear her voice, and advice if I just STOP.....and listen.  I can be proud and very happy, that she's been such a big part of my life. 

Friends have gotten sick this year, and a long time friend suddenly died.....lessons to be learned ...I'm choosing to look at life as the gift that it is; to share and love and LIVE like I never have before.  I'm grateful, and humbled, because I have truly learned that I am so very fortunate to have the life that I have !  

My shining stars will continue to glow and grow and I will continue loving being their Nana/Nahny...forever !

More pictures and updates to follow, but for now...

Happy New Year 2013 - make it the BEST !