January 1, 2009

and today was a good day. Kathy and I spent New Year's Eve together. I really thought I just wanted to spend it alone this year but the closer it got, the more I wanted to be with my family. I am so glad Kathy came over. And then, unexpectedly, at midnight my phone rang. It was Shirley. We were all so excited. It was awesome. The kids all had a great time together.

I will always remember that when we rang in 2008 we were all together in my house having a fun party just like we had done for several years. Not knowing what the year had to bring. Happy and carefree and excited for the new year. I know now that I was very naive. You just think things will go on as they are forever. I'm not like that anymore. I don't think any of us are.

Today was spent at mom and dad's eating ham and beans. It was a really nice afternoon and a good way to start the year. And of course, I came home without my boys. They talked grandma into letting them stay until Saturday. I hope they get some work out of them.

Shirley came for about an hour. She ate a little, listened to all of us talk and then was ready to go. Mike is actually fixing her bedroom up for her. He bought her a beautiful new bedroom set and is repainting the bedroom. He figured since she was spending so much time in there, it should be how she likes it. I agree. She will love it.

Everyone will be happy to hear that Shirley was good today. Well as good as she can be. She sat at the table with us and for a little while you try to pretend like it's the way things used to be. It wasn't that long ago that Shirley was healthy and able to join in all the fun at mom and dad's kitchen table. It's not really like that anymore, but that's ok. As long as we can still hug and kiss her, it's ok. And today I could do that. I hugged her, I kissed her and I told her I loved her. So, it was a good day.

Happy New Year.

Love,

Teresa