Although I gave up making New Years resolutions years ago, and don't choose a "word of the year", I am aware that this year is going to be a year of major changes in my life (more on that later this month).
I also find I am finally recovering from some of the strain of having been a caregiver to an aging mother in law (although it wasn't as physical hands-on as many experience, it was a strain in many other ways) and realize that I need to reconnect with people I know.
I've let relationships drop. I won't blame anyone but myself. Now, I have to try to find some of those loose ends and reconnect them.
Some of this was hastened by news in November that one of my first cousins has cancer (her prognosis is good- the last good news of the Old Year 2019). But I am reminded once again of how short and precious life can be, as I know two people battling cancer right now (one on battle #2), plus a former co worker who spent much of 2019 battling cancer but hopefully now in remission.
So, New Years Eve was the perfect opportunity. I texted, Facebook messaged, and spoke on the phone - and did some long awaited catching up.
We are a spread out people. One cousin I wished Happy New Year to is in Italy right now. A woman I've known for some 45 years, who lives in suburban New York City, is visiting her daughter in California. I texted with a cousin who has retired to Texas and one who is a world traveler, and we joked that our texts seem to gravitate to discussions of our medical conditions and doctors (hmmm, did I find that silly when I was a teen?) I shared photos of my late mother in law with my husband's cousin who lives in New Mexico.
Now, I just have to keep these relationships going - easier said than done. Old acquaintances should never be forgot. They should always be brought to mind.
Every New Year's Eve, right before midnight (yes, I'm one of those who insists on staying up till midnight, although it's harder and harder each year), I get ready to watch the ball drop in Times Square. After all, I grew up in New York City.
After the ball drops at midnight, the TV will play a song called "Auld Lang Syne". Have you ever wondered what the lyrics mean?
Here they are.
Yesterday, we thought of old times past. Today, we start looking towards the future, the decade that many already are starting to call "The Roaring 20's".
I intend to do some of my own roaring. And I hope to do it with friends and family. That's part of the awesomeness of the Ultimate Blog Challenge - I reunite with bloggers known, find new ones, and enjoy the companionship.
What about you?
Happy New Year!
Day 1 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge #blogboost
Greetings fellow New Yorker - although I live in Arizona now.
ReplyDeleteFirst - sorry for your loss. Being a caretaker is not just physically difficult, but emotionally as well. I’ve been there and done that. Sending prayers to you and your family.
I get it - keeping up with friends and family isn’t as easy as one thinks. Especially if they are spread apart - as my family is. I have a cousin who lives in Germany. I haven’t seen her since I was 9 years old, and writing gets more tedious as the years move forward. She’s in her late 70’s and refuses to use email. And I hate hand writing letters - so, communicating is sparse.
Looking forward to reading more posts,
Eydie :)
Thank you, Eydie. My mother in law passed away on Black Friday, 2018, after moving her up here in 2015 because she just couldn't live on her own anymore. It took me just about a year to even face The Holidays again. I think many of us struggle with keeping in touch with family and friends. Thank you for the good thoughts :)
DeleteI was in New York last week. My daughter lives in New Jersey now, the place where I grew up but ironically she was born and raised in the place I live now - Bakersfield, California, and still wound up in the East! :-) My parents live in Flagstaff, Eydie!
DeleteI've lived in NY, Iowa (very briefly), Florida, Arkansas and Kansas - but I've never quite "traded places" with any one!
DeleteIt’s good to reconnect.
ReplyDeleteI’m looking forward to seeing what this year holds.
Actually, Songbird, I am both looking forward to it and a bit apprehensive. We'll just have to take it day by day.
DeleteIt is great to meet you! I also watched the ball drop though I was in California so it had already happened. I do choose a word of the year and since I nearly died in October and I am coming back with a roar, my word is INTREPID.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to knowing you better via the Ultimate Blog Challenge. I especially enjoyed this line: "It's the beginning of a new day, a new year, a new decade, and it's up to us how we will use this day we've been granted."
Here is my post for today, just an FYI:
http://creativelifemidwife.com/2020/01/4waystogrowyourpractice/
Happy to have you back in the Ultimate Blog Challenge! I look forward to reconnecting with you and the others!
ReplyDeleteBack atcha, Gratitude Guru!
DeleteI did a report on Robert Burns in high school, and I got a chance to try and read his poetry, including "Auld Lang Syne." His poems are quite good, when you can figure them out...
ReplyDeleteI never would have had the patience in high school. Respect to you!
DeleteNo resolutions?
ReplyDeleteI guess I could call the 'reconnecting" a resolution of sorts - but it's not an official resolution.
DeleteAh, yes, caregivers...we are caregivers and legally responsible for my mother in law and her husband. It is emotionally straining and she doesn't make it easy due to her mental illness and dementia. It is very trying.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very Happy New Year, friend.
Mental illness and dementia - either alone would be challenging but together, it's a hard, hard job for any caregiver. Wishing you a Happy New Year also, Linda - and may your path get easier this year.
DeleteThis is my first real attempt at the challenge. Your advice was very timely. Hoping to connect with you more than once.
ReplyDeleteRelationships ebb and flow. Glad you're able to reconnect.
ReplyDeleteI do like calling this the roaring '20s. I think I will.
It's interesting how we do become our parents and grandparents as we reach their ages.
I don't think I have ever made a New Year's resolution. I have reconnected with some folks in the last few years and am very glad I did. Happy blogging!
ReplyDeleteI'm being a caretaker right now and understand how you feel. Happy New Year and New Decade.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back in the UBC Alana, it sounds like you have had a big challenge as a care giver. I was the same why with my m-i-l but we always seem to find ways to keep on going. Take time for yourself and go at your own pace. I don't do New Year resolutions or words either but I'm hoping to make a goal of once again going room by room and get even more organized in the roaring '20's.
ReplyDeleteI will call these times the roaring 20s as they as we get the term flapper back.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss. But so happy to hear you reconnecting. Much love, luck and happiness in the new year.
ReplyDeleteStrangely, I'm doing the same, Alana. Reconnecting with family and friends who mean a lot is so important for our well-being.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year - wishing you and your family everything that's good in 2020.