Last night, we bid adieu to 2011, and rang in 2012 with bad champagne, and good friends.
It was truly a great time. (However, today? Was not so great. Blech)
I wanted to take a minute to reflect on 2011. I feel it’s been so impactful, and I feel like I need to give it the reflection it deserves.
2011 brought:
- After 9 months of unemployment, I finally had an interview with an amazing man, B. Barry Miller. We hit it off immediately, and Decision Point looked to be one pretty cool place of employment. I started my job there on May 16th. Every day, I learned something, I grew a little, and helped someone.
- Relief from my depression. Full, and lasting relief.
- July 3rd was our daughter’s first birthday! Eek!! About 30+ family and friends gathered to celebrate with us. Let’s just say she didn’t shy away from the spotlight.
- Sometime in May or June, Ed got a call from an old Navy buddy that he hadn’t spoken to in years. He offered him a job, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, of all places!!
- I quickly, and adamantly dismissed any talk of ever leaving Arkansas.
- On July 5th, he took a plane (Or two) to Baton Rouge, Louisiana for his interview.
- On August 7th, and 2am, he set off for Baton Rouge. This would start the VERY long 2 1/2 months that we were to be apart. On August 8th, he started his brand new job as a shipping agent.
- Also on August 8th of 2011, Bryant Barry Miller lost his battle with cancer. He was the only person I’ve ever lost that I truly cared for. He was an amazing man, with an amazing spirit. The lives he impacted and saved is truly incomprehensible. I will always remember you, Buddy.
- October 20th was my last day at my awesome job at Decision Point. I still say that if I could have, I would have stayed there forever. Amazing job, working with amazing people, helping people every day. Does it really get better than that??
- Late on October 22nd, in a packed Penske truck, and a packed car, we left Rogers, Arkansas for good (at least as residents) By the end of the next day, we were all going to be Loisianans. (Though, I remain a true Razorback at heart.)
- This Christmas really felt like our FIRST Christmas as a family. Times were so rough in 2010. I’d already been unemployed for 4 months by the time Christmas rolled around, and we were 2+ months behind on rent. This year, there were gifts underneath the tree! Layli really loved all of her presents. And, it felt good as parents to finally be able to spoil her a little.
The move wasn’t all gravy though. After 2 1/2 months of being apart, Ed and really had to ‘learn’ each other again. I’d almost gotten used to being a ‘single’ mom.
(I don’t want to use that term to loosely. I know plenty of single moms who didn’t have the support I had. The monetary and emotional support I received from Ed while he was away, and my dad was so much more than helpful. He truly went above and beyond for us.)
I’m not one of those bloggers who paints a pretty little picture of her life. There were so many challenges this year.
Depression certainly reigned this year, and even though it was defeated eventually, that didn’t change the fact that I found myself in one too many deep, dark depression holes.
And it was definitely hard for Ed and I to get used to each other again. Ed and I fought. A lot. And, a lot about the same thing over, and over, and over again. I truly think we had to fall back in love again.
2 1/2 months apart is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. There were times after we were finally back together again that I was THISCLOSE to packing up what I could, taking my dad and Layli and heading back to Arkansas. Where things were easy. And safe. (Ha! Ha!)
We made it through it though. We emerged on the other side of it so much stronger. We have a deeper respect for each other, and tighter bond. And we KNOW now that there is no getting rid of each other.
I quickly slipped back into depression after the move, having left all of my friends, my awesome job, family, etc. It was so difficult. I don’t even want to imagine how bad things would have been if I hadn’t had my dad here.
But 2012 looks to be amazing! I start my new job at a free legal aid on Tuesday. Tomorrow, I start school. The new challenges ahead of me, on top of my already full life are so, SO exciting. There are other things that are still in the discussion phase, but I won’t spoil the surprise!
When I look back on the last year, I mainly remember the struggles, the gut-wrenchingly hard times. 2010 sure wasn’t a cake walk either, but it’s hard to think badly on the year we welcomed the little piece to our family that none of us can imagine to live without.
So, 2012? I made it through 2011. WE made it through. And, we’re gonna tackle whatever it is you toss at us. So, Bring it.
