Good-bye, 2008

It seems at the end of each year, I pause and wonder just where the year went. They always seem to disappear so quickly. I feel that way again this year, but am actually relieved to bid farewell to 2008.

This year has been challenging to say the least. I think back a year ago and can hardly wrap my mind around all that has changed. This time last year I was hugely pregnant and we were excited about our baby girl who was to be born in early February.

We were blessed on Feb. 2 with a beautiful, healthy daughter. We are happy to have her in our lives, but the adjustment to parenthood was harder than I ever could have imagined.

I returned to work full time in April and was learning to juggle work and family on a new level. But I was happy to be working as so much of who I am has been wrapped up in my career. Even after having a baby, I knew I couldn’t turn my back on my work.

So, my layoff in October and the resulting life changes rattled me in a way I’m not sure anyone could understand.

It’s been a tough year and I’m ready to move past it. The year 2008 will always be special because of Katherine, but it is not exactly a year I would be eager to repeat.

I pray for a better 2009 and a wise spirit that can look back on these challenges, learn and grow from them and move to a new level of greatness.