(In the tradition of past breakup posts – See 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005, 2004, 2003)
Dear 2010,
I must confess that it’s rather hard to part ways with you. We’ve had a good year together.
You’ve been kind to me.
We’ve shared rich moments of great joy, laughter, and love.
In fact, it’s hard for me to even write this break up love note to you because this year’s been the first in a very long time where I started to feel comfortable again in my skin. I mean, I know I’m 36 now and by now should be over this navel gazing self discovery and analysis process, but it seems like I never am. And this year you’ve been with me through it all. It’s been a year of adjustment for me, and one of supporting tremendous milestones for those I hold dear.
It’s been reassuring and renewing being a part of lifelong love commitments this year. I love weddings. A lot. And it was so joyful to see good friends Kevin & Coley and Cindy & Matt get married and to cheer on the engagements of great friends including Annie & Christian and April & Cameron. There were many other joyful unions this year.
And new children too! A & H welcomed Nico into the world. B & A welcomed lovely Ciara. K & A welcomed a sweetie as well. My friend Ritchie (Who I miss and haven’t seen in years!) has a glorious little girl with a impressive name. I mean, really. Amelia’s enjoyed plenty of play dates with children of dear friends and developed a penchant for hugging anyone within arms reach when she can.
My friend John M. once told me that having children around makes you young again. I believe it to be true because I’ve rediscovered little joys in holding hands, going on the swings and slides, and clapping your feet against each other as delightful treats that deserve more attention and credit in their soul restorative qualities. Seriously, go take a moment to roll on your back and clap your feet against each other.
I’ll wait. Fun, isn’t it?
Amelia has been such a tremendous source of delight this year for J. and I. She’s now 19 months old and full of energy. She gives me a morning kiss and sings herself to sleep at night. When hugging she’ll rest her head on your shoulder and pat you gently. She wants to clink glasses with you and say “Cheers” every chance she gets. When going down the slide by herself she’ll do a victory lap around the playground afterwards. She walks, runs, jumps, kicks, claps, and hugs.
Her vocabulary and expressions include but are not limited to:
- Cheers
- Hi
- Bye
- Hello
- Dog
- Cat
- Fish
- *moooowah*
- Bump
- Jump
- Kick
- Oh No
- Uh Oh
- No No No
- Yes
- Baby
- Shoes
- Clue
- Wow
- ? (Foot)
- ?? (Shoes)
- ?? (Hi)
- ? ? (Sleep well)
There’s many more phrases and expressions that she has but that’s all that come to mind at the moment. She’s full of win.
Speaking of victory! How excited am I to have cheered my friend Jane on to win her seat as District 6 Supervisor. And see that my friend Tim has his book rocking the NY Times best seller list! And my friend’s Sergio & Mike and others have their companies succeed and be acquired! Mega woots and high fives all around.
But life isn’t all magical double rainbows. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
It’s also been a rough year in losses. Several of my close friends have lost loved ones over this past year and it’s been a raw and mournful period. Please know, that despite my failure to call or comfort as much as I’d have liked, my thoughts and prayers have been with you and my intentions have been there on your behalf.
It is not my intention to be distruthful. Especially to myself and to you, dear 2010. But I’ve been grateful for the opportunities that you’ve given me to reconcile with those that I’ve had a rocky past with in 2009. Most of those reconciliations have been very successful and I’m honestly very thankful to have these folks back in my life. You and I both know, 2010, that time is too short to not have the folks you love near to you.
Adjustments. And supporting and reconnecting with loved ones. Reaffirming those relationships. Yes, these have been the overarching themes for our relationship. All good things, to be sure. All values that I’ll take with me as I move on with the new year, 2011 who has already promised to be good to me.
Thanks for everything.
With love,
MJ