Well, here we are. A little bit older, a little bit wiser (perhaps?), and yet, still as excited as kids on Christmas day. A new year always usher in new hopes and dreams. A time for beginnings and reconciliations. A chance to forget past mistakes and forgive old grievances. And sometimes, having the new year come upon us simply remind us that life goes on...and on...even when we feel like dying inside.
Last month, a friend of mine lost her four-month-old baby to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The whole community responded with an outpouring of love and services to this grief-stricken family. Then a couple of days ago, two weeks after the funeral, I met the mom at church. The look on her face is something I would never forget. It was the face of a crushed soul, of a heart that knew indescribable pain. I gave her a hug, squeezed her tight, and sadly, it was all I could do. I couldn't take away even a smidge of her pain. Whe I asked her if she was surviving, she answered: "Surviving? I suppose I am, if that's what it's called."
And that's when I saw it: a glimpse of her hope. Though surviving equated dying in her case, she was still hopeful. Would laughter once again find its way through her home? Yes, it would. Not now, and maybe not for awhile, but it'll be back for sure, and her heart will mend albeit slowly.
I'm in awe with the resilience and strength of the human spirit. How love and grief and happiness can buoy us up despite dire circumstances. That in this world we live in, we must experience sadness to truly appreciate joy, hardships to be grateful for blessings and small miracles.
Well, what does this reflection mean for me and for the new year? It's simply a reminder to myself (and I hope to all of you as well) to
Love MORE
Laugh MORE
Share MORE
and to truly LIVE each day with open hearts and with eyes wide open to see the beauty around us. Connect with people. Appreciate your loved ones. Play with your children. Feel and be alive.
I don't make resolutions. Rather, I make commitments. 2012 is bringing huge (but welcome) changes to my family in the form of a much anticipated little bun in the oven. :D We are excited and scared at the same time, but mostly excited and thrilled to have this baby enter our lives.
So there you have it--my not-so-big secret and certain reason why I've been off the web lately. I'm close to getting my energy back, and when I do, I expect I'll be hanging out with all of you soon.
I wish you all a wonderful 2012.
23 comments:
That's lovely news - congratulations. Lots of food for thought in your blog entry and my heart goes out to your friend. We are resilient creatures and although it's a cliche, time really is a great, and possibly the only, healer. I wish you everything good in 2012.
Congratulations! Having kids is a wonderful journey - although often sleep-deprived!
@Linda: Thank you! It is so true--time does have the ability to heal. I only hope that healing would come swiftly for my friend. Happy 2012 to you!
@Simon: Thanks! Definitely wonderful, and though exhausting it will be worth it. :) Happy New Year to you!
Congratulations! How very exciting!
Gosh, what a heart-rending story. I suppose life doesn't always seem fair when such things happen.
Happy New Year, and a nice to meet you. I like the blog:)
Best of luck and congrats. Yes, life does take a bite out of us sometimes and what we are left with is sometimes amazing. Does anyone ever think they can be that strong?
Happy New Year! In honor of my blog's first anniversary, I have an award for you on my site. Stop by to share the magic. Hugs.
Oh, that story is so sad. How crushing.
Life is interesting isn't it.
I love the new year and making goals but I make them all year long. I think they guide us in the direction that we want to go.
HUGE congrats on the coming child! What a big change for the year. Welcome, welcome 2012!
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! Congratulations on the up and coming little one :) I'm thrilled for you!
Congratulations to you, and wishes for smooth sailing through the rest of your pregnancy! My heart goes out to your friend who lost a child. Sending good energy her way.
Hugs and Happy New Year sparkly girl!
Michelle (with a shiny new blog!)
I'm so sorry for your friend's loss - I can't even imagine the heartache and the sorrow.
I'm also so excited for you! What a thrilling time in your life - enjoy and treasure every single moment! Congratulations :)
That's such a sad story; I'm so sorry for your friend.
Congratulations to you! :)
What a wonderful and uplifting post, Cherie. I'm so, so glad to see you back *hug*
YES! Wishing you the best, as always. It'll change your life! My advice is to never let guilt control you though -you still need to carve out me time!
By that I mean ME. Pay attention to ME! ;)
What a wonderful news you have given me, Cherie. I am excited for you. Take care of your health. Praying for you and the baby. Hugs and more hugs.
@Mrs. Silverstein: Thanks!! ;)
@Tanya Reimer: You're so sweet! Thank you so much. I'll be by soon.
@Shelly Brown: You are smart! Making goals all year long is the way to go. It helps motivate us to do what we need to do. Thanks ;)
@Caitlin: You're so cute! Thanks :D
@Michelle: I saw your new digs. VERY NICE! And thanks--I'm hoping for a smooth pregnancy as well. ;) <3
@Jemi: Thank you. :)
@Golden Eagle: Thank you. We're definitely thrilled.
@Lori: Awww. Hugs to you. I missed you.
@BBC/Mindy: Ok, ok, I'll pay attention to YOU! :D
@Rachna: Thank you so much! Prayers are always welcome. Hugs back!
@Mark Noce: Gosh, I didn't mean to overlook you! I'm still learning to blog and stuff using my new laptop (no wireless mouse). Anyway, thank you so much for dropping by and I'm glad you like my blog. Happy New Year to you, too!
I needed to read your blog today!
It is very challenging to remember how blessed you are when bad things happen...perhaps I should make a list of all the reasons I have...it'll make it easier.
Congratulations on the new baby!! So sweet and exciting! I will pray for your health and your family!
<3
"I don't make resolutions. Rather, I make commitments." That was brilliant. As are you. Congratulations on your little one. Eat lots of chocolate!
Awww...Cherie. I am so sorry for your friend and am glad you were there for her. That's all you can do is be there.
And then there's the OMG factor of 'OOOoohhhh, so THAT's where you've been! WOW! SO excited for you. Sending you cyberhugs and kisses! I know you've already got some kiddos, so you're an old pro at the 'mom' thing. Bringing a new bundle of joy into your life will give you LOTS to write about! :) Love you girl!
Can't wait to hear more details about it
Holler at me!:)
Congratulations. Thanks for a beautiful story.
Thank you for sharing this story, and your amazing news! Congratulations on the wee goatling. Three will change your life...all for the better.
OH...I had a dream the other night that you and I met in person--we had a most lovely time chatting together!
Hi Cherie...fellow AQer here aka Charlie Eve. My heart goes out to your friend and her family. I'll hold even closer my little ones tonight.
Thank you for sharing their story and big congrats to you.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! That's very exciting!
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