This year was a year of tremendous change and (quite honestly) courage. I haven’t been able to blog as much as I used to, barely managing this chaos I call life has impacted my creativity.   In January of 2016, I only wrote once due to school committee commitments. Throughout 2016 I blogged sporadically, and I am thankful to all those who have continued to read, to share and to be a part of my village.

I have continued to blog about the important things in life. Learning to fly and learning to let go. If we were having a glass of wine…..

If we were sharing a glass of wine in January, I would ask why the hell we signed up to run a mile every day in January.

If we were sharing a glass of wine in February, I would thank you for teaching me how to fly out of my comfort zone and into the air. I would still laugh over that stupid science project that “Abby” did (yeah, right) and David’s reaction to it.  We still have that stupid simple machine in our basement. I’m not sure if it is for prosperity or for the ultimate bonfire when the Elf is in residence.

If we were sharing a glass of wine in March, I would remember fondly that day I blinked and my girl child sat in the front seat and changed the radio channel.  I would thank you for standing steadfastly with me against the R-word. We would agree that changing jobs was actually scarier than facing one of Bridget’s maladies but worth it in every way.

If we were sharing a glass of wine in April, I would tell you I have forgiven you for breaking up with me. I am also glad we still have pancakes.

If we were sharing a glass of wine in May, I would tell you how thankful I was for Facebook reconnecting me with PACS1 families and long-lost cousins. I would cry with you over my failed attempt to have Bridget be the next Mia Hamm and you would make me laugh when you reminded me that living with Bridget was like living with groundhog day. Just when you think she has conquered the beach…you take her to the beach forgetting about the wind.

If we were sharing a glass of wine in June, I would thank you for going on a blind date with me. Meeting a PACS1 family in the flesh was beyond awesome and solidified the Facebook bond. I would tell you about our trip to Great Wolf Lodge and how the little things, like my child being able to enjoy a story means more than I can ever explain.

If we were sharing a glass of wine in July, I would remind you that for every action there is a reaction. For every time you feel you mean nothing in this world there is a ripple across the pond to someone who can change your life (in a good way).

If we were sharing a glass of wine in August, I would tell you that August is my favorite month. My camping family month where Bridget is accepted for who she is and Abby is the girl she would be if Bridget wasn’t her sister (sad but true) and allowed to be a child just enjoying the moment. I would thank you for including us, for being our fire family and for just being awesome.

If we were sharing a glass of wine in September, I would tell you how afraid I was of first grade and junior high school. That I unwillingly became a helicopter parent to the older child and placed my faith the younger child’s teacher that she would fulfill her promise of inclusion. I would tell you that it is okay to lose it and scream out loud because sometimes life isn’t fair and it just sucks.

If we were sharing a glass of wine in October, I would share (without shame) what a meltdown looks like and acknowledge that Bridget’s meltdown is so mild compared to most children who have special needs. I would tell you that October simply sucked and if it wasn’t for you I probably would not have survived it with my sense of humor intact.

If we were sharing a glass of wine in November, I would remind you that I secured best wife EVER status. I would tell you not to ask a friend in need what she needs, but be THERE in the moment and do what you can do. I would remind you that we did not end up where we planned, but in all honesty no one really does. Think about it, how many people are using the college degrees in their current career?

If we were sharing a glass of wine at the end of December, I would tell you it has been a heck of a year. I would thank you for being there every step of the way, easing my burden and allowing me (I hope) to ease yours.

I hope that we raise a glass and sip together in 2017. Thank you for being an integral part of my life.