Good Riddance

Ok, so 2010 was a horrible, rotten year and I'm glad to see it go.  At least mostly.  It seems like when you take stock, the negative things always outweigh the positives.  So I thought I would make a list of each, at least to remind me of some of the the good things that happened.  We'll start with the positives:

POSITIVES:

Andrea graduated elementary school, and spoke during the ceremony.
David married two couples this year.
Emma had her first big ballet recital, and did an amazing job.
We had a fun summer.
Laurie still has a job with the school system.
We completed some more home improvements.
Janelle passed the Constitution Test with and A!

NEGATIVES:

Laurie had two peritonsillar abscesses.
My cousin broke her ankle and had to have surgery.
Emma had a staph infection.
Laurie had a staph infection.
My best friend decided she didn't want to be friends anymore.
My Grandpa died.
My Mom fell and landed on her face right before Christmas.
Emma was horribly sick for Christmas.

Most of these things I had no control over.  The best friend thing I MAY have had some say in, IF she had bothered to tell me she was mad at me, and given me a chance to fix it.  She didn't though, and her mind was made up before I even knew what was happening.  I have cried and I have grieved, and have come to terms with her choice.  I can't change her mind.  At this point I have come to the conclusion that it's not ok for her to treat me like she has, and it's time to move on.  I'm sad for my girls though, who have clearly lost a relationship they loved, and for me, another sister.  I am also sad, as I won't get to see my nephews as much as I would like to.  I've lost a lot of sleep over the situation, but had a moment of clarity the other day.  I was telling a friend who is having trouble with some of her family believing things that are not true about her that those who knew her would know what was true from what was not.  Suddenly I realized I could be talking about myself.  I'm a good person, and I tried hard to fix things.  She's the one that gave up, and I did my best.  I am saddened by the death of our relationship.  Obviously it was more valuable to me than it was to her.  This was a major event in my life this year, and I hope my family and friends that have stuck by me realize how much I appreciate their support.

The other thing that gave me the most trouble was my Grandfather's passing.  He was 92, and lived a good, long life.  I wish that I could live so long and have as good a life as he.  He was a good man, and my last grandparent.  I think that is what gives me the most grief.  Other than David's remaining Grandmother, he was the last.  I saw him three times a week at least, and I miss him.  I miss our rituals and habits, our Friday and Sunday nights.  His gentle smile and spirit.  Goodbye Grandpa, I love you.

So goodbye 2010.  I won't miss you, and I hope next year I can list more positives than negatives.  I have a wonderful family, and some true, fantastic friends.  Thanks for letting me vent my feelings so I can have a fresh start in the new year.  Everything I need to have a healthy, happy 2011 is within my reach.  Let's hope Mother Nature gives us a break!