Is it 2012 yet?

I just finished a long walk with Daniel around the neighborhood. I tried to breathe a little more deeply and let some of the chaos of the past couple of weeks go. It's been good, not so good, and at times a bit ugly.

First of all, thank God my parents have been here since Thanksgiving. I don't know how we'd have survived without them. We'd definitely be less well fed and the house would not be as organized. I love those two with my whole heart and every cell of my being! Not that I'm dramatic or anything!

Both of my kids had birthdays in the past week. Those were good days. Celebratory. Fun. I now have both a 16 and 13 year old living under my roof, and I'm about to hit 50. Let the good times roll!

On Christmas day we went over to pick up Rich's mom who lives alone since her husband of 64 years died this past August. She didn't answer the door, and the newspaper from the day before was still outside. Not good.

I yelled through the mail slot and heard her weakly say, "I'm coming," just as we got the stubborn key to turn in the lock. She was on the floor in her pajamas, and had been there for awhile.

Long story short, she was hurt, but not badly. We ended up calling rescue and having her admitted to the hospital where we found out she has a few issues that need immediate attention. Her rotator cuff is torn, and she's a little more confused than usual.

After a few days as an inpatient, she was transferred to a skilled nursing facility for physical rehab and nursing care. The main point that I must relate about all of this is that she is one tough, kind, positive lady. She's thankful, polite to all, and she does not complain. I could learn a lot from her. When I think of how well she's handled all of this, it really tears me up. I love that woman.

So, you can perhaps imagine that life has kicked it up a few notches lately. Daniel is great, he got over a cold in two days time and only a few nebulizer treatments. Melody took a little longer to get over hers, and I stayed healthy through it all. My mom and dad are strong like bulls, even though they have a lot of pain to deal with at almost 77 years of age.

We have a few more nights together, then we'll all be back to our old routines. For now, I'm focusing on ringing in 2012 with as much chutzpah as I can muster.

Here's to all of you out there struggling, yet having fun and making this crazy life work one way or another! If I don't post again until then, Happy New Year!