A Letter to 2009

Dear 2009,

This is a very special year. Not only is it the end of another year, but it’s the end of a decade. Wow! Ten years have already gone by. Remember when we were welcoming in this new decade? Y2K? Computers blowing up? Cars not starting? I know more than one person that had canned heat on hand. Thankfully, the world did not end. I, for one, enjoyed many wonderful memories and adventures in this first decade of the 2000s.

This decade brought many changes to my family. I gained two sisters-in-law and two beautiful nephews. I never knew how incomplete life was until 2004 when the CMan came into our lives. The day I became an aunt was by far the greatest day of my life. My heart expanded to include a new little one into my circle of love. And when Mr. Mster entered our family in 2007, my heart grew again. I love these little guys so much and I look forward to many more years of sharing and learning with them.

I also had some amazing travel adventures the past 10 years. Two trips to Europe, New York City (twice), Disneyland, and many local adventures kept my passport busy and my suitcase well used. I am always amazed at how beautiful our world is. My travels and adventures make me realize how much I have to learn and how much I have to experience in life. And each time my travels bring me back home, I am again reminded of how truly blessed and fortunate I am.

I was also able to continue my education this decade. I reached a goal that I wasn’t sure I would ever reach when I received my master’s degree. One of the proudest days of my life is the day I got “hooded.” I love school (but not the homework) and sometimes contemplate more education. Maybe this new decade will bring more educational opportunities. (Oh help us all if I go for Ph.D. Some of you may want to stay clear of my path during those years…and you know why.)

I bought a house this decade. Me, a homeowner! And with that homeownership comes bills, and repairs, and maintenance, and cleaning, and sometimes a lot of pain! But in the long run, it feels great to have a place to call my own. Wow, I think I might be a grown up now!

Loves were gained and loves were lost. Friends were gained and friends were lost. Jobs turned into careers and my 20s turned into my 30s. There have been many wonderful opportunities and discoveries these past 10 years. Some good, some not so great. But overall, I’m grateful for the past 10 years. I look forward to 2010. My dad asked me the other day where I would be in 10 years…I wonder? Will I find my eternal companion? Will I become a mom? Will I go back to school? Climb a mountain? Travel to India? Who knows, but I am very excited for the future. One of my favorite scriptures says, “If you are prepared, ye shall not fear.” I’m prepared for the future and I’m ready for whatever director my Lord wants me to go.

Thank you 2009 for a great year…and for ending a great decade. I look forward to 2010 and the many experiences, loves, friendships, and calluses I’ll gain.

Love,

Jen