Roughin' It

As I sit here in disbelief that the year has almost come to an end, I question many things in my life and choices and decisions I have made over the last several months and the last year. I have had the opportunity to grow as a person and meet more incredible members of the community. One thing is for certain, I am beyond lucky to have the husband, kids and family that I do.

Throughout 2018, it has been full of twist and turns, heartbreak, loss of friendships, relocation of coworkers, moving. I don’t know what the future holds, but I trust that whatever it may be it is for a reason and that something good will come of it in the end.

It seems to have been a whirlwind of a year, from home life to work. The Observer lost four wonderful ladies this past year to new opportunities and, well, for lack of better words, life. But for each I am truly grateful for what you brought myself, this business and my family.

We first lost Donna. Her laugh would light up the office. She is such an amazing person and is very much missed around the office, as well as my house ... luckily she came to visit last weekend so my house is full of all things Donna!

The kids went to visit Mary Kay’s mom in the Manor and took a few birthday and Christmas presents around; they loved the opportunity to give to those around them!

Shortly after Donna, we lost Mary Kay to a new opportunity for her and Bob to be closer to her daughter in warmer country. Mary Kay, I miss the long conversations we had, from her days in the military to weekends at the lake. I hope that they are enjoying their “winter” in the 70 degree weather!

Next but not least we lost Aleta. Aleta again like everyone in this office has a huge heart; she always knew just what was needed to lift your spirits, from a simple fix or even a bit longer process.

Finally, the one I thought we’d never lose, the glue holding all of us together, Tonia, headed east to be closer to family and that cute little grandbaby!

Where do I begin? Tonia is missed so much in the office, as well as in the community. Lately it seems like she is here; we have all called her and bugged her so many times to help through the transition.

She has taught me and many others how to be a true friend, how to be an encouraging leader, to let the little things go, to be a valued employee and so much more!

Amongst those things she helped me become is a better wife, mother, friend, a positive leader, member of the community, someone people can trust and go to for answers and many other things!

The rest of the office didn’t have the chance to work beside her for the length of time I did, but I know they miss her as much as I do!

I count the blessing and memories that I have had from all four of these wonderful women that are no longer with us, and I am grateful to spend the remainder of the year with the two that have stuck around in all my craziness these past few weeks, Amy and Nichole!

In the crazy life of work, family and all else, it never cease to amaze me when I think of the blessed mornings like last week when my little boy wakes me up saying, “Mommy, it’s Christmas, there are presents under tree.” Well, it’s not quite Christmas, but the glow in his eyes and the softness in his voice reminded me of how special mornings like these are, and the older they get the less often the arise.

The kids got up and realized that they had one present under the tree that they could open right away, and of course they did. But later that night they remembered that neither Mom or Dad could open their presents until Christmas day. Such tender hearts, so thoughtful the kids wrapped a present for Mom and Dad and left it on the couch with the words “open now” on the beautiful wrinkled wrapping paper pieced together.

It’s moments like this that gives the season and the end of the year meaning, the time you spend rushing in the mornings to get off to school, the fight to get jammies on for bed time, or to finish their supper and all the little things in between is a little speck of sand in the big picture. Love the little things, take advantage of these moments that we normally want to pull our hair out, because they will be gone before we know it.

As the Christmas lights twinkle and the snow falls, remember this is a season of giving and being truly grateful for what we have and who we are privileged to make memories with.

Love a little harder, hug a little tighter, smile a little brighter, and remember to be grateful for what we do have, and not upset for what we don’t.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!