Reflection...

2014 was a year of ups and downs. Some exciting stuff happened. I started school, I had an epic 30th, my hockey team won the Calder Cup, I got to meet a very old friend in person, I got to do 3 comic con panels, and I got a new kitten.

The last part of this year has been full of challenges.

It started when my preschool career blew up because of a parent lying. I thought that was as bad as it could get. I was wrong. I found an amazing new job that seemed perfect and 2 weeks in I ended up in the hospital with pancreatisis and unbeknownst to me at the time that can be potentially fatal. It ended with my 1st surgery. My hospital stay made me stop and really think about how important family is. I never would have been able to deal with that illness without my mom. I hope none of you ever have pancreas issues. Worst pain I've ever felt. Ever.

Then this month alone we lost 2 of our dogs. Kate was sudden. We knew she was old but she took a turn for the worse fast. I never really even had a chance to grieve for her because of my schedule at the time. I sorta processed it but I don't think I ever dealt with it. Then, just days ago we lost Buddy. This one hit me like a ton of bricks. Even if we knew it was coming it was incredibly hard. Buddy was a very special boy and there will never be another dog like him. We were lucky to have the time with him we had.

I guess if I learned anything from this roller coaster of a year it was the value of love. Not romantic love. Family love. And not DNA. Real family. Of course I have Mom and Nana and they happen to be blood but I also have my dad, my brother, my friends that are more like sisters (Sarah, Jill, and Shannon), and my close friends that I turn to when I feel broken (Remy and Rusty). Each and every one of these people played a huge part in my life this year and I am grateful for all of them. Life is full of ups and downs and I think you have to have the downs to appreciate the ups but anything is tolerable if you have loved ones.

To all of you that helped me make it through this year, that shared the ups and downs, that comforted me in pain, prayed for me in illness, and cheered my happiness...Thank you.

I am very happy to see 2014 end and I look very forward to 2015 and what it will bring...hopefully a little more peace and joy...

Happy New Year!
Cilla