How I Used 2012's Word and New Word For 2013!

(Picture loading is not working, but this is long enough already)

Several weeks ago, I began attempting to come up with a word for the coming year; something that would represent me and my goals, something that would motivate me, inspire me, keep me going on rough days and remind me to remain grounded. While I came up with many contenders, nothing really "spoke" to me. Nothing really said "this is you in 2013!" So, the search went on.

I began reflecting upon 2012's word, BELIEVE. That was an easy one. I was starting many new phases of growth and development in my life and needed a lot of self-confidence and reassurance. Boy, did I ever underestimate the importance of that one simple word! Little did I know how much I would draw upon it; how much of my heart and soul I would place into the confidence of it; how much I would really NEED to BELIEVE!

January was fairly normal - some after Christmas thrifting, Jim's Giants won the Super Bowl, I was posting about regular life with the grand babies, furniture, daily smiles, the usual. Towards the end of February, everything changed. You can read the full story HERE. Basically, my wonderful husband, Jim, suddenly became very ill, required surgery to amputate one of his toes and a portion of his foot and our entire life changed from that point! I had to believe that Jim would make it through surgery and recover well. I had to believe that his health would not be adversely affected by this surgery and that psychologically, he would deal with the amputation positively. I had to believe that the long months of recovery and all that it entailed; the incredibly busy schedule filled with visiting nurses, dozens upon dozens of doctor appointments, visits to the wound center, follow-up x-rays, MRI's and other tests, would be handled well by both of us. I had to believe in myself and my ability to manage Jim's diet, medications and home care of his wound, as well as keeping him upbeat on days when he struggled. I had to believe that this would be the only surgery he would require and that he would be able to drive again and return to work and "normal" life.

In July, my word was given the ultimate test, as, once again, infection had settled into Jim's right foot and another toe had to be removed. While this surgery was not to be as severe as the previous one, and the recovery period was promised to be much shorter, our hopes were dashed and we started all over. Again, I believed, and everything seemed to be going well with his recovery. However, now other hurdles arose. When Jim was placed on long-term disability through his employer, his salary was cut to 60%. I had to believe that our increased expenses including appointment and medication co-payments would not exceed our decreased income. I had to believe that, when they did, we would still be able to pull things together. I had to believe in myself, in my ability to earn some type of income through Internet and local sales which allowed me the freedom to provide Jim with transportation and care. I had to believe that we could cut back on some things, on ANYthing that would make even a minute difference. I had to believe in my prayers, in my faith, that we would be brought through this whole and that I was worthy to make these frequent requests for assistance.

About a month after Jim's second surgery, the tests continued. We were elated the day that the stitches were removed and thought that finally, the road to recovery was within our grasp! Unfortunately, two days later, we noticed that Jim's foot was draining. Why would a healed foot drain? It wouldn't. There was a pocket underneath the bottom of his foot, that was hollow back to the bone - the perfect environment for infection to settle in, which it has. As of now, it is limited to tissue, and he's been on antibiotics to prevent infection of the bone. For the third time, our routine of home nurses, doctor appointments and wound care began. By now, we were so frustrated, so disappointed and just short of breaking. My heart broke for Jim and all he was going through. Depression set in and I had to believe that I could rise above it and keep him going through humor, love and comfort. I no longer prayed - I literally begged! I had to believe that my hidden tears would mean something, that my late-night conversations with God were being listened to. I HAD to believe! There was nothing else I could do.

We continue on this path as healing is slow. We do not know what the future will bring, so I hang on to my 2012 word like the valuable possession and resource that it is. I've added my 2013 word to it, as its partner. My new word is: Undaunted. Definition: Courageously resolute, especially in the face of danger or difficulty; not discouraged. Synonyms include bold, fearless, gallant, gutsy, intrepid, brave, determined, resolute, plucky, undeterred, spunky, impetuous and unafraid. So first, I have to believe that I can be all of these things, then I have to remain undaunted, no matter what. I have to push us both daily, trust that Jim will be whole again and never say never. No looking back, only forward. Once I chose this new word for this new year, the lyrics to "To Dream The Impossible Dream" came to mind. They have several times since.

"To dream ... the impossible dream ...
To fight ... the unbeatable foe ...
To bear ... with unbearable sorrow ...
To run ... where the brave dare not go ...
To right ... the unrightable wrong ...
To love ... pure and chaste from afar ...
To try ... when your arms are too weary ...
To reach ... the unreachable star ...

This is my quest, to follow that star ...
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far ...
To fight for the right, without question or pause ...
To be willing to march into Hell, for a Heavenly cause ...

And I know if I'll only be true, to this glorious quest,
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm,
when I'm laid to my rest ...
And the world will be better for this:
That one man, scorned and covered with scars,
Still strove, with his last ounce of courage,
To reach ... the unreachable star"

So there's my new word and why I chose it. I apologize if this was too heavy for some and too long for others. I felt that how I used my 2012 word and the connection of the two words were important to explain and I really did try to keep it as short and sweet as possible. Thank you so much for baring with me. The bright side, and I always look for one - I am still smiling, I am still thankful, Jim and I are still an extremely strong team and I undauntedly believe that we will get through this!
Hugs, Leena

Linking to: Silver Pennies:Word Of The Year Linky Party

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 I'd like to thank all of you who take the time to read my posts and those who leave your sweet comments! Your kinds words keep me inspired and motivated and mean so very much to me! I also want to thank all who share of themselves within their own blogs. I have learned many things, met some absolutely wonderful people (hope to meet you in person one day too!) and have had a great time reading, laughing, sharing, admiring, supporting - just all around spreading the love and sharing our passion for what we do and how we live. It's been a blast and I can't tell you how much I enjoy all of your posts and comments! Linky parties are fabulous too, as, while I don't always have a post to share, I have discovered so many beautiful blogs and their writers! I have enjoyed the silliness, the jokes and stories, the home decorating, various tips and projects, gardening, pets adventures, the recipes, the photos - so many things! I have also been glad to be able to console and support others during times of trouble and need and am forever grateful to those who have been here for me!

I wish everyone a Happy New Year filled with joy and love! May 2013 bring you all much  happiness, and may all your dreams come true!

Love, and Hugs, Leena

A White Christmas!

Guess what? We actually had a white Christmas! It started to snow on Christmas Eve around 4pm. Jamison came running upstairs, excitedly screaming, "MeeMaw! It's snowing!" It snowed for several hours, blanketing everything in a bright puffy white. There's something about Christmas snow that feels so magical to me. The decorations seem prettier, the lights appear brighter and a silent peace falls over the land. That peace was dearly appreciated by the time we finished all of our preparations and fell into bed for a short winter's nap!

Christmas morning, my oldest daughter and her boyfriend, Dale, came over for a little breakfast while the grand babies opened gifts. The little ones were thrilled with all they received (and they made out like bandits, as usual) but it was so funny to see the gender difference in action. When Jamison opened clothing, he'd go "Cool shirt!" and immediately look for another gift that contained a toy. Abigail, the little fashionista diva, would open a gift of clothing, hold the item high in the air and squeal "clothes!", then hold them up against her body to be admired by all. Too funny!

Abigail surrounded by gifts and wrapping paper

That afternoon, we headed over to Maryland to my sister Laurie's house. She and her husband Henry really go all out to make a wonderful Christmas meal! They always serve turkey and prime rib and this year, added salmon with capers to the menu. There were all the usual side dishes, including their fabulous whipped sweet potatoes and sausage stuffing! I'm real particular about my stuffing and never thought I would care for the addition of sausage, but boy was I wrong! Everything was wonderful; the food and the conversation. My dad was there and I hadn't seen him in quite a while, so it was so, so good to get caught up!

Dinner-Brianna, Dale, Dad

Dinner-Abigail, Jamison, Shannon

After dinner and dessert (Jamison ate three pieces of apple pie!), we sat by their beautiful Christmas tree and the little ones opened a few more presents. My sister gave us a beautiful Christmas tree plate filled with home-made baked goods, some cow print measuring spoons and the cutest little cow salt and pepper shakers. While I've cut way back on my cow collection over the years, I do still welcome really adorable ones!

Abigail

Abigail and Aunt Laurie

 

Shannon, Abigail, Dad, Jamison

Aunt Laurie and Jamison

Oliver and Abigail

 

Brianna and Dale

Our drive home was quite enjoyable as we listened to Christmas music, admired the lights on all of the homes and the snow clinging to the trees like beautiful lace garments. We drove through town to see some of the decorations:

Town of Leesburg, VA Christmas Tree

Store window with moving ferris wheel and hot air balloons and elves

Store window with gorgeous Nativity

Life-sized Nativity in front of a church

It was a wonderful day which rejuvenated me, body, mind and soul!

The scene at my sister's the next morning:

Dad reading the paper with two doggie pals, before heading home

I hope that all enjoyed a Merry Christmas with family and friends! And now, off to the New Year!!!!

Hugs, Leena