A Pause to Reflect

Tree of Life... Haiti 2010

2012 has ended and today is the first day I actually have a clear enough head to think about what 2012 brought.

There were some big things - We had a child turn 20, and move to her own place not college-related; we had our youngest get her drivers license; and a second child started her college years. When I sit back I realize that these are big things. Thankfully it appears all have worked out so far and of course we will do everything we can to make sure that they all have the support they need.

Myself and Laura had some fun in 2012. We bought a new Jeep and used it to transport our kayaks to go paddling with each other, with the girls or just for some quiet time and exercise alone. The new Jeep also did some traveling - a trip to Ottawa on business but also to bring some things to Martika for her new place; and a wonderful trip to Gatlinburg, TN. Laura had said she visited the area as a child and also wanted to have the opportunity to stay in one of the nice chalets in the mountains - so we did and had a wonderful week visiting the Great Smoky Mountains.

Laura had some wonderful success at work, getting her first patent award and having CareHPV pass SFDA testing thereby allowing it to be delivered in many countries where it is desperately needed.

I had a good year running - a couple of half marathons along with the 40th running of the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler. In all cases getting better each time. Looking forward to more running in 2013.

The year did have some sad moments. In January a colleague of Laura's, John Sellors, passed away. John was one of the people that worked with Laura in the early years of Care. Also in January, Robbie, Laura's step-mom, passed away. Needless to say it was a long month. The year also ended with a sad note when Nan Bowering, the girls' maternal great-grandmother passed away. A year of some significant loss but I know all will be remembered fondly.

2012 also had some wonderful celebrations, Kris's graduation from high school and her start of college, our second anniversary and another Step-Mom Saturday. I know 2013 will continue to bring more cause for celebration and joy and any challenges along the way will be faced head-on.

For those that are wondering ... I included the picture of the Tree of Life since it is one that was given Laura by the women of Haiti. It shows their love and respect for her but also shows their resilience and their power to overcome. I think these are qualities that should be respected and remembered and I think the start of a new year is an excellent time to think about these things.

We hope you and your family have a prosperous 2013. Make time for the ones you love and whenever you can do the things that you can to help those that need the extra help.

Happy New Year!!!