Well I can’t really say 2011 has been good to us…..but I can thank God for many of the blessings we have seen along the journey of living with Alzheimer’s. There are many good things that have happened this year, and I am choosing to reflect upon them on this New Years Eve! It is a choice to see the good in the storm of life, and I daily battle with that, but let me tell ya……choosing the positive over the negative sure makes things go a little easier! Just sayin! 🙂
Family has been a huge blessing to us this year, and I am thankful for Curt’s family and my fam. Their love and support is priceless! This is a Christmas pic of my mom and I, she has always been a great support for me!
Our family ski trip last Jan. to Mt. Snow, Vt was an extra special blessing and was basically paid for by someone who has chosen to remain anonymous! It was a great memory maker. The kids and I were just reflecting fondly about the trip the other day!
FRIENDS are the greatest!! It has been so sweet to see how many friends have called and wanted to get together with Curt and our family. It has been so nice for Curt to reconnect with old friends and stay connected with current friends. It has meant so much to Curt to get together for pizza, a ballgame or just anything with friends. Let me tell ya, our friends have been good to us in 2011. THANK YOU!
My big 17 year old boy getting a baseball scholarship to Liberty Univ was another highlight of the year. The recruiting process takes a great deal of time and effort, and it is nice to have that behind us. With everything else to figure out, it’s great to have Tyler’s college plans taken care of. And let me just tell you, I LOVE Liberty, the campus, the coaches, the educational program and christian atmosphere, it just warms this mom’s heart! And I am thankful that Curt is still be able to fully understand the magnitude of Tyler’s accomplishment. For the dad who spent ENDLESS hours pitching to his son and throwing with him, I am blessed to see the pride in his dad’s eyes as he knows his boy will be playing Division 1 College Baseball!
We spent much of the summer traveling in our van! From Columbus Ohio to Atlanta Ga, we conquered a big portion of the highways of the US. And despite the busy schedule, we did have a lot of fun!! Lots of great memories were made this summer!
Madi grew 3 inches this year and has transformed into quite a lovely young lady. Her kindness and helpful spirit continue to bless me! The first picture is of her with her science fair project in March, the 2nd is fall homecoming. Can you see the difference?! 🙂
Those are just a FEW of the blessings of the year 2011. The years go by fast and I am learning to cherish the moments. The days may be long, the frustrations constant, but the special moments that come along remind me to slow down, and cherish. They can bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart in the middle of a long journey.
I am going to end with how we ended our year with a few pics from our Christmas Fun!
Happy New Year…….may we all find those special moments and blessings on the journey of 2012!
Jesus and Dark Chocolate 
You are a true inspiration…God Bless and Happy New Year
Happy New Year, Sandy! Yes, I agree, enjoy the moments…..
YES! cherish the moments…..this was beautiful, Sandy! Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family. and remember…if you ever get back to the Adks i soooo want to meet you!!!
Loved the peek at your year. How wonderful to know as we start 2012 that God knows what it holds and will walk through it with us!
“Many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
But I know Who holds tomorrow
And I know Who holds my hand!”
I’m so excited for your son and his scholarship to Liberty! That’s wonderful! I’m blessed just seeing how God provides for your family. Thankyou for being such an open book, testifying to His care.
May God continue to bless you and your family in this new year!
Hugs
Looking back at my 71 years of life, I realize how God has taken care of me and my family–usually at the last possible minute! 🙂 Oh, how I wish I had trusted Him more and worried, fretted, ranted less. My daughter said recently, “Since I have had so many incidences of God caring for me, why do I still worry?” We’re human.
As I walk the journey with a 29-year-old friend with ALS (who is also unexpectedly pregnant), and as I walk (from a distance) this path with you, I understand all there is in this life to worry about. But, as an old woman, I also understand how faithful God is. I know that in your heart you understand that truth also. And I also understand that you and my friend are living with a prolonged grief. How I pray for you both, as you walk your individual paths, that you can continue to sing, “All is calm, all is bright.”
Hugs to you and your precious family.
Sweet friend, I know this year has been a challenge for you. Thank you for reminding us all to find those special moments. Your faith has been an inspiration to me. I pray God’s strength and grace with you as you travel this uncertain path. Blessings to you!