T+330 What A Year It's Been...

I'm sitting here trying to think of something witty to post, and I keep thinking of my post a year ago.  What a year.  We're definitely ready for a new one.  And you, dear readers, will be burdened with "A year ago today..."   So I may as well start now.  A year ago tonight Torie, and Mom, and I were packed up and ready to start this journey.  I was so scared.  We had no idea what 2010 would hold for Torie.  Or for us.  We have all come so far.  And it amazes me every day how this little red-haired bundle of life has taught me so much, and how much joy she brings to so many.  One year ago I hoped for the grace and courage that Torie has shown.  And this year I hope for the same.  I don't think I've gotten there yet. 

We have been on a roller coaster this year.  I know the ups and downs will continue, but I hope they won't be quite as steep.  I don't have the fear that I had last year; Torie is improving every day.  We still don't know what her future holds, and we continue one day at a time.  That's the future...each new day that she laughs, and she runs, and she plays, and she learns.  We celebrate small Vic-Tories. 

 
I treasure the Silver Linings.  If I didn't look for them, I'd go crazy.  (I know, you're thinking "crazy-er.")  I have such a new appreciation for my family...The Moscrip's, the Baxter's, the Dominy's, and the Flake's.  And the new family we have - the Hurler's and the Ronald McDonald House's.  And friends that have been supportive beyond belief.  Oh, we are truly blessed.

We are ringing in the New Year quietly.  We took Papa Tom to Mall of America today and rode the Merry-go-Round.  After that we had great pizza at Punch, and Torie's favorite, spaghetti and meatballs, for dinner.  (The temperature is dropping to single digits, and more snow is on the way.  How lucky that we were able to be here for the snowiest December recorded for the Twin Cities!)  The House delivered a bag filled with candy, popcorn, noisemakers, hats, games, and sparkling grape juice for the party.  Torie had her grape juice "with bubbles" about 8:30, and she was done.  Mom and Tom and I watched the ball drop in New York, and now we're done.

So raise a glass of kindness, dear, for auld lang syne with Vic-Torie and have a very healthy and happy New Year!