2022 finds me grateful to see a new year. Welcoming in 2022 was a quiet affair around our home. I had plans to cook, but decided closer to dinner that Chinese sounded great, so that’s what we did instead. Bonus for not having to clean up the kitchen afterward! We spent the rest of the evening channel surfing, catching the New York countdown and ball drop on TV, and then waiting for our countdown here in Central time. Once midnight rolled around for us, I headed right on up to bed.
2021 Was a Tough Year
To say last year was tough would be a huge understatement. It seemed like since February, the hits just kept on coming. We lost my mother-in-law in February, my grandmother in June, and my uncle the day before Thanksgiving. I dealt with a terrible bout of shingles from October through most of November, and finally, to round it all out…
I had a heart attack on December 3. I am ok, but I am different. Mainly, I just move a little slower and tire out very, very easily. I will write more about it someday when it’s not still so fresh. I’m still sorting out my feelings about it all and I’m still too emotional. I know this is normal and I know it will take time.
So, suffice it to say, I am very, very glad to see a new year and I pray it holds better health and happiness for us all. My heart has been so heavy for so many people this year, my blog friends included. Sometimes this old world just feels like it’s too much to bear, but that’s when I have to rely on my faith to help me through these tough spots in life.
But There Was Some Good
We did have some good times this past year. Our son completed Driver’s Education and got his permit. He finally went back to school in person in August. We paid off our car. We’ve enjoyed being with friends and family, and seeing some we haven’t seen in years. We had a couple of fun weekend excursions and tried out new restaurants. We joined Sam’s Club (haha!). We still have so much to be thankful for.
Making Plans for 2022
To help me stay better organized, I treated myself to a 2022 planner from the Passionate Penny Pincher. I am so pleased with my purchase and not only does it help you keep up with appointments and all the regular stuff a planner does…it also helps you keep your home clean and organized, helps you stay on a budget, AND includes a daily Bible reading plan for the year. It really does have it all. So, I’ve been busy filling this in and doing what I can around our home.
I know at this point, making huge declarations of resolutions for this new year would be pointless. I’m still trying to get my strength back and just do what I have to do on a daily basis. I do have some goals I am working on, and I will share those soon. I’m still trying to flesh them out so they are attainable and not impossible. I have a tendency to not offer myself a whole lot of grace, so that’s the huge thing I am working on. I’m so ready to have my normal energy level back and recovery isn’t happening fast enough.
See? There’s that grace thing again…
Here’s hoping and praying that this new year will be the start for healing and better for us all.
Mandy, I had no idea you had a heart attack…I shall keep you and your family in prayer. Thank you for your kind words on my blog. They sure make me smile.
Hey Linda! Thanks for dropping by! Still think about you every day. Continued prayers for you. I’m about to go have a catch-up on your blog!
Mandy, I’m so sorry to hear about your heart attack and the losses you suffered through this year. I think it’s been a hard one for so many people, but you seem to have gotten an extra scoop of awful. I really do hope you find your strength increasing every day and that 2022 is filled with some wonderful new moments to celebrate instead! I will keep you in my prayers.
Thank you, Kim. Yes…2021 was certainly a rough one. Praying we all have better days ahead in this new year!
Oh my goodness! You have had so much to deal with! I am sorry for your losses and will pray that you are recovering, both physically and emotionally. Allow yourself some grace, some time, and some rest.
I am so sorry to hear about your heart attack. Why is giving ourselves grace so hard for us? Your NYE celebration sounded wonderful and low-key. Chinese sounds so good right now. I hope you have a good first full week of the year!
Hey Rachel! I have been reading your blog faithfully! Just haven’t been able to comment until this week. Looks like y’all had a fun NYE too! I think about you with heart issues as well. I hope you are doing ok. Thanks so much for stopping in!