Thursday, December 31, 2009

NEW YEARS EVE 2009!


BEWARE OF FIREWATER
ON NEW YEARS EVE!!!

Heeehe... Oh those sweet memories of me making Granny pose for this picture!!! Never thought I would have the opportunity to use it for a message for New Years Eve!  Those going out or staying in for New Years, please use caution when imbibing of "firewater"... aka, adult beverages! Moderation is the key if you celebrate!

This is it... the 365th day of the year... whew, and quite a year it has been.

1904 started the first New Years Eve celebration at Times Square!

Sir Anthony Hopkins was born on December 31, as was Donna Summer! Perhaps it is your birthday as well, and if so... Happy Birthday to you!

In 1985 Ricky Nelson died; in 1997 Floyd Cramer died on December 31. Great talents both.

On New Years Eve more than 4,100 men and women will have died defending our freedom in Iraq. God Bless them, their families and keep them in your thoughts and prayers as you lay your head on your pillow tonight. Take a moment and send good thoughts of love and support to those who are fighting to defend our freedoms today, I pray they come home to us safely and think of those who love them.  Freedom isn't free.

The ending of 2009 is here; time to say so long to a year that has probably had more ups and downs than any year before for so many... And yes it is true, bad things happen to good people; always has, always will. Rather than say "why me", some say, "why not me". We are all so very blessed in so many ways, but at times it is difficult to see the blessings and we must look through different eyes and try harder. And at times we need just look at the path of others to realize that we indeed are fortunate.

I won't begin to touch on all the many things that run through my mind as 2009 draws to an end after all, those who are reading this have their own thoughts of the year as well; have walked their own paths and endured their own joys and heartaches. Each different, some similar to others I suppose.

Please remember, these pages are collections of thoughts; only thoughts... my thoughts.

Here we are; all preparing to say so long to another year; some are preparing for great times tonight, while others will stay at home, snuggle in and hope to stay awake to watch the many and varied festivities on television.  The ball will again drop at Times Square with millions standing in the cold to be a part of the controlled chaos!  Always wanted to do that, but these days am quite content just watching from my couch!
We will probably have a fire in the fireplace here in Florida, and engage in a serious competition bowling with the WII, and ultimately be beaten by the 8 year old! (I just hate that!) He even bowled a perfect 300 while visiting and of course the Godmother then had to make him a 4 scoop milkshake for a celebration! Ah but the pleasures of being a champion of WII bowling as Kamryn is!

We will be content to be at home sharing our last evening of our holidays, attempting to stay awake long enough to ring in the New Year!  Seems its easier for the younger ones somehow! We have missed Angie terribly, but had she been here the boys would be without pierced ears and I wouldn't have gotten in trouble! heehe  She has provided care to the folks at Highland Ridge and they appreciate her, so perhaps next year... she will get the time to be with us!


Laughter will fill our home again tonight, and we will count our many blessings once again that we have this night. But we will also have our moments of remembering... remembering those who are not with us. We will choose how to get through those reflections of sadness and of missing, and we will individually make the decisions that will impact the rest of our little tribe here at home. We'll make the phone calls that need to be made, connecting with those that aren't with us because of distance and circumstance. I will whet my breath and connect with those who are on the other side, and Granny will be here with us... she always is.  She lets us know she is close by, we all can feel her presence. She is in each heartbeat, in the sound of the laughter and the silliness and even some of the expressions that are used without a thought.


The first day of 2010 will find us talking about plans and hopes for the new year; even some of those resolutions. I find that keeping it simple works best. Taking one day at a time; small goals leading to larger hopes and then building from there. Perhaps I'll watch that video about "abs of steel" again and hope to get Michele Obama arms this year. Maybe I will even get off the couch a couple of times as I watch the video this time around, but I'm not making any promises or time lines! Remember, you don't want to set yourself up for disappointments!!! Again I will remind you... BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF! You are your best resource.


But for today; those who are with loved ones and those who are alone will find creative ways to cope and to heal; find ways to say good bye to the old as preparations begin to step into 2010!  Perhaps you will even find the courage to dance into 2010, after all the rhythm of life is there waiting...


For those who are alone, I hope you can find healthy ways to reach out and find support. Look carefully... faith communities are usually a good start; if you are grieving the loss of a loved one check out your local hospice for their bereavement group offerings. http://www.nhpco.org/  is a good place to look for hospices in your area or location.
If you are needing an individual therapist, remember to interview until you find a good fit: finding a good therapist is like shoes; you need a good fit! It is not a one size fits all situation! Support is important for everyone; take that step out of your comfort zone and make phone calls looking for support that is right for you. Look online, make phone calls, ask around to find what you need; ask your physician, ask your faith community, ask your neighbor, ask hospice... there is no shame in asking for what you need! Be wary of things that sound too good to be true... check things out.

Blessings to you and those you love.
I wish you enough.

Happy New Year!

Walk In Beauty!

Thanks to those who have commented and left their thoughts on the book, and purchased Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life! I am honored by your reviews and thoughts.

author of
Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life
Order your autographed copies at:




4 comments:

Irene said...

Sherry: great words to send this year into
history. You inspire me to go on, day by day.
Once again, thanks for the last 365 and the
book. Enjoy your family and the celebration.
I R M

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Dr. Showalter. Thank you for all you continue to do for so many. I wish you a great new year. Anyone who has not yet read your new book should order their copy now. It is really wounderful. Very warm, heartfelt stories. I loved it.

Anonymous said...

My favourite part of the book was about the "Little One." The part that had the "Warning." Why was that my favourite part? Reading lists of self-care practices just didn't make me follow. But...if we treat ourselves like you/we would treat the "Little One" well....that clicked. Maybe we all are Little Ones in some way. Thanks for a thought-provoking selection of little stories.

free lesbian sex stories pictures video said...

My mind found its own peace in a very pleasant dream, where Melvinwas shaking the bed, but this Melvin was six feet tall and built likea lumberjack. My wife thought for a second, then asked whatstrings are attached.
free sexy romance stories
rape sexual abuse stories
young sex stories
hot sex stories mother and son
debra barone interracial sex stories
My mind found its own peace in a very pleasant dream, where Melvinwas shaking the bed, but this Melvin was six feet tall and built likea lumberjack. My wife thought for a second, then asked whatstrings are attached.