"Fifteen!" Emmie proclaimed proudly.
"That's right! Tomorrow is the last day of the year 2014. That's called New Year's Eve. The next day will be the first day of 2015 - a whole new year."
Emmie smiled back at us with uncertainty. The idea of a new year probably just sounds like words.
Celebrating the symbolism of New Year's Eve may be lost on a future preschooler, but to us adults it's a time a reflection, renewed hopes and promises.
Like all years, 2014 had its highs and lows, but maybe not as dramatically as the prior year. The entirety of this year, we lived in our own home. To me, that's indicative of security and stability. We worked on our home in small ways, and every day I'm aware of what we've accomplished together.
This year, my daughter's personality flourished. She's a little individual, with her own sense of humor, her own preferences and talents. She's hilarious and often outgoing. She loves magnets, blocks, animals (stuffed and real), Disney princesses (it almost can't be helped in this Frozen world we've been living in), playgrounds, and emojis on my phone. She makes up her own stories and songs. Her stuffed animals have reading parties, which makes me want to explode with delight. She calls her dolls "dollos." She loves her father and me as well as her family and friends; she tells us constantly. She's obsessed with taking pictures and selfies - she's getting really good, too!
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| Backseat window horizon - taken by Emmie! |
This year we survived the worst winter I can remember. During that time, we also became a one-car family. It hasn't been easy, especially with my unpredictable schedule.
I also made the decision to try a new career path by taking a job at a museum, despite the complications it's involved with commuting and child care. So far, working there has been thrilling. I learn every day. The other employees are great and have similar interests. I finally have the camaraderie I've been missing as an adjunct college instructor. There, I get to talk to visitors who come from around the world. I asked for the chance to expand my role, and my bosses have responded in kind. It make me really hopeful for the future.
Working at the museum has meant that for the first time, Emmie was enrolled in daycare. She liked it at first, then freaked out. She had a recurring ear infection for the first six weeks. She says she misses us when we're gone. It breaks my heart, but I know that we are actually so blessed that we got to spend more than two years together. Not everyone gets that option. At the same time, Emmie comes home from daycare with all kinds of artwork. She tells us about her day. She interacts with other children and exercises social skills. I know that it was a good step for both of us to take.
In 2014 Bruce continued to toil away at work, taking on extra responsibility with no substantial recognition. He made the same wage as he had the past two years, even while sitting in meetings with executives, no title to distinguish him. His superiors kept promising they were going to promote him, that they were creating a new position just for him. "Just a little while longer," they kept saying. It was infuriating. It got to be a point of contention between Bruce and me. I wanted him to look for a new job. I didn't believe the company would live up to its word and my husband would ultimately be disappointed. He wanted to prove that his hard work would pay off.
Then one day at the end of October, he texted me that he was offered a new, upward position. It was created just for him. No one else in the company has his title. Instead of instantly accepting it, he turned around and negotiated a higher salary than what was offered. They agreed.
He did it.
It's not going to be a huge financial change for us, but anything extra is welcome. I think the best part of the whole ordeal is the pride involved, the relief in knowing that Bruce's efforts weren't in vain. He has been acknowledged for his achievements.
This year one of my best friends in the world, my "sister," had her first baby. Even though she's across the country, I paced in anxiety during her labor as if I were in the waiting room. I finally got to meet her son last month. I love him like I never knew I could love someone else's child. I really feel like his aunt, and it's just the best feeling. Emmie is crazy about him. When Bruce held the baby, he, too, melted. It's wonderful to look back at two silly, single girls who became wives, and mothers. I can't wait for all the adventures our families will have together.
We celebrated other friends and family this year. Bruce's sister moved back to Illinois! She's only half an hour away now and we get to spend much more time with her.
At the end of the summer Bruce, Emmie, and I traveled with my father and brother to Georgia to visit my aunt and cousins, whom Emmie had never met. We had a loving, fun few days. We're already thinking ahead to our new trip.
We also lost an important family member this year, Bruce's uncle. His uncle read at our wedding ceremony and gave the prayer at our reception. He was a kind man with a big heart. He had a wife who was his best friend, two grown children, four teenage grandchildren, and plenty of close family and friends. His memorial service was the most beautiful, meaningful I have ever witnessed. He is missed by everyone who knew him. We were all lucky to have him in our lives.
It always resonates with me whenever I hear someone say, "I can't complain," when asked how it's going. There's so much negativity in the world, so many tragedies and injustices we can't seem to escape. That's why it's vital to focus on what's good in one's own life. As the sun sets on the horizon of 2014, I can't complain.
Bring on 2015.
Working at the museum has meant that for the first time, Emmie was enrolled in daycare. She liked it at first, then freaked out. She had a recurring ear infection for the first six weeks. She says she misses us when we're gone. It breaks my heart, but I know that we are actually so blessed that we got to spend more than two years together. Not everyone gets that option. At the same time, Emmie comes home from daycare with all kinds of artwork. She tells us about her day. She interacts with other children and exercises social skills. I know that it was a good step for both of us to take.
In 2014 Bruce continued to toil away at work, taking on extra responsibility with no substantial recognition. He made the same wage as he had the past two years, even while sitting in meetings with executives, no title to distinguish him. His superiors kept promising they were going to promote him, that they were creating a new position just for him. "Just a little while longer," they kept saying. It was infuriating. It got to be a point of contention between Bruce and me. I wanted him to look for a new job. I didn't believe the company would live up to its word and my husband would ultimately be disappointed. He wanted to prove that his hard work would pay off.
Then one day at the end of October, he texted me that he was offered a new, upward position. It was created just for him. No one else in the company has his title. Instead of instantly accepting it, he turned around and negotiated a higher salary than what was offered. They agreed.
He did it.
It's not going to be a huge financial change for us, but anything extra is welcome. I think the best part of the whole ordeal is the pride involved, the relief in knowing that Bruce's efforts weren't in vain. He has been acknowledged for his achievements.
This year one of my best friends in the world, my "sister," had her first baby. Even though she's across the country, I paced in anxiety during her labor as if I were in the waiting room. I finally got to meet her son last month. I love him like I never knew I could love someone else's child. I really feel like his aunt, and it's just the best feeling. Emmie is crazy about him. When Bruce held the baby, he, too, melted. It's wonderful to look back at two silly, single girls who became wives, and mothers. I can't wait for all the adventures our families will have together.
We celebrated other friends and family this year. Bruce's sister moved back to Illinois! She's only half an hour away now and we get to spend much more time with her.
At the end of the summer Bruce, Emmie, and I traveled with my father and brother to Georgia to visit my aunt and cousins, whom Emmie had never met. We had a loving, fun few days. We're already thinking ahead to our new trip.
We also lost an important family member this year, Bruce's uncle. His uncle read at our wedding ceremony and gave the prayer at our reception. He was a kind man with a big heart. He had a wife who was his best friend, two grown children, four teenage grandchildren, and plenty of close family and friends. His memorial service was the most beautiful, meaningful I have ever witnessed. He is missed by everyone who knew him. We were all lucky to have him in our lives.
It always resonates with me whenever I hear someone say, "I can't complain," when asked how it's going. There's so much negativity in the world, so many tragedies and injustices we can't seem to escape. That's why it's vital to focus on what's good in one's own life. As the sun sets on the horizon of 2014, I can't complain.
Bring on 2015.
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