Adieu to 2008

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Well another year is gone. And a very eventful year it was. Kim & I celebrated our tenth anniversary with a trip to Las Vegas. We all went to Missouri for a family trip to memorialize Grandpa and Grandma Shipp. We joined in celebrating Mom's 70th birthday with a surprise visit to Estes Park. Daniel started Preschool and James moved to Lower Elementary.

On a somber note 2008 saw the departure of some family members. My Great Aunt Lybbis (Dad's Aunt), Kim's uncle Randy and to all intents and purposes Kim's Step dad Manny. It was a particularly tough holiday season with Randy passing in early November and the Manny experiencing his heart attack just before Thanksgiving.

On a positive note the year ended with 1 new addition to the family as Dan & Brenda welcomed a new child: William Ethan.

I made some progress on health issues: I had my bunion removed in January and continue the diagnostic process towards my Neurotomy. I didn't make much progress with my weight or exercise. Every time I take a step forwards I tend to take an immediate step back. But hopefully I will find a way to craft some time into my schedule and menu planning.

I would be remiss without mentioning the election and Hope. The election was very exciting, eliciting a lot of heated debate. And the final results were very moving. I know that Obama and the new Congress have a lot of work to do. But the message is there, and I believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel, however long the tunnel still may be. So there may have been some personal tragedy, and things in our personal lives may not change all that much to begin with. But Hope is there, and so long as there is Hope, and a willingness to accept our part in working for change then change will come.

So, here's to all who are with us, old and new: may you live your lives to the fullest, fulfilling all of your dreams and wishes. And to those who are no longer with us, thank you for all you were and did for us, you will always be remembered.