My new year began at the end of September. In fact, my whole life reset on September 27th. I didn’t plan it. I didn’t want it. It just came.
If Ruth were still here, we would have marked 2022 as a good year. David landed a new, less stressful job that he enjoys. He and Lindsay have lived a full year in their new home in Holland and it’s proven to be a good move. Elizabeth published her book and she and Sutton bought a new house. Kate and Mike’s young Jackson James is walking and talking. He wasn’t in a hurry, but he travels at warp speed now. Things were pretty good in the Tebo clan, and then Ruth died.
When I look back on any year, I evaluate my life in terms of my family. Ruth did the same. We wanted everyone to be successful, but most of all happy. And happiness looks a bit different on each of us. Some like things, some like travel, some like creature comforts, but most of us want someone to share our time. I lost mine and that makes me sad.
My big takeaway from all of this is, there are no guarantees. You must deal with life as it comes to you. Some change is planned, some comes in gentle drips and drops, and some comes in an avalanche. Unexpected death is an avalanche. No matter the source, we must adjust and move forward.
My wish for 2023 is simple. I don’t want any surprises. As I begin to figure out what’s next for me, I prefer that change comes slow and steady. Having a network of good friends and family has helped me through the past three months. Making new friends is a part of my new year’s resolution. I’ve discovered you can’t have too many.