Dear Friends,
As I write a Christmas/New Year letter, it’s been a good year. As I look out the window, it is snowing…..finally. With that coat of fluffy white stuff, it just
makes this girl’s world a bit more magical.
I know I have more blessings and good in my life, probably
more than I deserve and most of all, knowing that, I am beyond grateful.
I am thankful for the hard times that forced me to step
outside of my safe boundaries and that it made me have to refocus and grow,
mentally, physically and spiritually.
I have had the honor of seeing my youngest daughter, Kaitlyn
marry Soren Dorius, a truly remarkable man and who brought with him the most
adorable little kiddos. A bonus to all
of us (3 more grand-angels to spoil!) My heart bursts with joy knowing my girl is
happy and content. I love seeing her in her role as the bonus-mom when she tells
us about the cutest, sweetest thing one of the kiddos did and I giggle when she tells
me that after making them do something they didn’t want to do…. That she is the
meanest step-mom…. Ever. Lol… I know her life is full, busy, chaotic and
beautiful and whole.
I love seeing the new life-light that burns bright in Jen, my
oldest daughter’s eyes and I see how much she is growing, how happy and strong
she is and that she is coming into her own power. And as she begins her journey
as a single woman, it will be filled with so many new experiences. The road, I
know from my past was long and hard, but I am here for her like I was for
Kaitlyn, armed with a flashlight of experience to help if she needs it on her
new journey. Although from what I see, she
is her own beacon of light and is finding her own pathway.
I have had a fun year with monthly my mom/daughter dates. My
mom has been a good sport when I dragged her to movies where I didn’t read the
reviews and well – we know what kinds of movies to now avoid. She continues to
trust me when I say, let’s go do this! Nonetheless
quality time is always precious.
I’ve enjoyed getting
to know Rod’s kids, Chelsea and Zach just a little bit better. I see Zach more often as he is a UI student
and I’ve opened my home to him as a haven to get away, do laundry and supply
snacks. Chelsea, Dylan (her boyfriend),
Rod and I have spent a couple of week-ends together and they are a fun couple
to hang out with.
Time spent with family near and far are always treasured
memories of the heart. And hopefully we
will get to spend more time together. I look forward to retirement in June 2021, unless
of course, unless I win the lottery and then it will be sooner. Lol
And last but not least, Rod and I spend as much time
together as we can. His favorite story to tell people how perfectly matched we
are is from this past summer after being gone for 2 weeks enjoying life on the
boat, that we arrived back at my farmette after dark. The next morning, we
arose, grabbed coffee with the intent to enjoy that strong black beverage, the
paper and being home. So off we trotted
out to the patio in our bathrobes to enjoy a spectacular early summer morning. As we looked around in the light of day, we
saw so many weeds and the outdoor space of 6 acres was a mess after a recent
wind storm. Rod ended up weeding the garden
and greenhouse and I strapped on the backpack sprayer – mind you we were still
in our bathrobes as we worked outside.
We both laughed as we realized we were two peas in a pod, a bit crazy in
that we couldn’t even enjoy leisurely coffee when we saw all that was needed to
be done. We were glad I lived in the
country as antics like that probably wouldn’t go over very well in town. Come
next Spring, Rod will sell his home in Spokane and we will join households here
on my little piece of heaven. I didn’t think I’d really ever truly want to have
a permanent person in my life again, but God had a plan. And I can happily say, I love that plan for
all the mostly “ups” with very few “downs” life is unfolding in a way that
brings joy, happiness and experiences that continue to enrich my life. As I said, I am grateful for all the
blessings and people in my life. Just like my favorite movie, I realize that
just like George Bailey, I have a wonderful life.
And for 2020 may it find you in a place where life will unfold
in new and wondrous ways and that both you and I find joy in each day and make
good use of it. Wishing you all the best. All my love, Gayle
Merry Christmas! Good effort! Nice Christmas letter. It was great getting to spend some time with you guys. You don't realize over the years how important a friendship is until it's been revived. Penny and I hope to spend more time with you both and more great times. Take care and God bless.
ReplyDelete