Family. That’s it for me and 2015.
Family.
Some folks live a few houses down from parents, others escape to the other side of the world.
I spent last weekend with most of my Orlando/Winter Park family.
My dad’s side.
It’s funny how the cousins I remember running around with on Christmas Eve as a child, are now older responsible folks.
Moms, dads, stockbrokers, pilots, doctors, business owners, lawyers, bankers, salesmen, CPAs, writers *me* — and the like.
We laughed. We shared. Well, I shared and listened. You see, these folks get to see each other all the time and I don’t. And for some of the time I was lost in the Land of How Did So Much Time Pass So Quickly?
At midnight this New Years when 2015 rang in, my immediate family made a toast. The new year is for Family.
In the midst of this selfie, constantly checking my emails culture, we — okay I — pledged to value our little unit in this vast swirling rock in the universe.
Yeah. My children thought my little toast lame but nothing is more important than supporting each other and loving each other — whether thick or thin.
And don’t get me started on how I died running in 80 degree Central Florida temps last weekend.
Pooh on this getting old thing.
Wish I had more photos to show but I was concentrating on concentrating on . . . family.
What are your thoughts about 2015?
Jamie, I’ve never been quite so happy to see a year end as 2014. Not my style, really. I value each and every year. It was just hugely challenging health wise. We are beyond exhausted! I have been working on disconnecting from cyber stuff for the past few months. Tough at first but very rewarding. Problem is, you’ve got to get your family to follow along. Not so easy. The real value in every day is looking up. From our phones, our computers, TV’s and games. There is wonder out there. And it’s likely sitting right next to you.
Oh, I’ve also gotten lost in that land. In fact, I just got lost in it today, yet again. My thoughts about 2015? Glad to be here!
It is stunning to me how all the “little cousins” are now all grown up. And we haven’t aged a bit, right?
It is funny … glad we all still enjoy each other so.
I like that too Carol. Feel the same.
2014 was a challenging one for me as well, Tammy. Cheers to 2015.
I admire those choosing words for the coming year as well as those making toasts to specific causes. Family seems the best to me of all I’ve read so far. Perhaps I should make that my word. Better yet, a toast. Yes… to family!
Yes Lisa. I hadn’t planned on a word but seems like I wanted a positive focus.
I was glad to see last year end, and happy this is now and that I’m reading your post at this very moment.
Loved ones are everything, and I don’t mean only family. I include my family to be my friends who are with me unconditionally.
I am so glad you got to FL and enjoyed your holiday. Happy New Year, Jamie! Here’s to another year of getting to know you better. xo
Family is a great word for 2015 and I need to focus more on it myself. Thanks for the great reminder!
I love loving my family but knowing how much I love them comes from having lost so many family and friends. I hope you are cherishing each and every one as much as is humanly possibly. I also hope your children have a long time until they understand.
I agree Nancy. That is one of the gifts of aging — you realize people aren’t here forever. I’m not here forever. Bittersweet but helps to focus on the here and now.
🙂 Lois.
Yes, Cathy. Many, many times friends are the ones who see you through the best and worst times. A cherished friend is family. And here’s to learning more about ourselves and each other in 2015.
I envy you your large extended family — I have very little. I make up for it in our small nuclear family which is very close and we had a wonderful couple of weeks together, vowing we’ll make sure we’re all together for the holidays every year. Family is everything, I agree, whatever that means to each of us. Happy New Year, Jamie — a wonderful start!
Julia, you have such a wonderful relationship with your young adult children. That didn’t just happen. I’m committed to awareness of each child and their needs. Hopefully that will create the bonds you have with your son and daughter. Happy New Year to you!
Much love to you and your family in 2015 and i hope i get to spend some good quality time with you again … it is all about family, and the moments, and the little things … but we need to be older and wiser to appreciate it 😉