As 2010 comes to an end, my first reaction is hallelujah, this is one year I am more than happy to send on its way! I can’t wait to hang up the new 2011 calendars I received for Christmas, 2010 was not one of my better years. Thinking a bit more about it, however, I must admit there have been some good parts to this year after all and one of those good parts has been discovering the healing power of blogging.
This seems like a perfect time to express my gratitude to all who have taken time to find and read my blog. Thank you. I want to give special thanks to those of you who have also taken additional minutes out of your days to leave supportive and encouraging comments. The intangible support of readers “out there” and the more visibly tangible support of readers who also comment, are both invaluable to me.
Also, I am grateful to have discovered blogs written by others “like me,” as well as a few others by bloggers who are not “like me.” I am, after all, defined by more than cancer and loss. I really do look forward to reading their blogs next year and I’m grateful for these newly forged friendships.
If you’ve been contemplating beginning a blog of your own, 2011 seems like a great year to get started on it! I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.
If you’d like to, please share with me your favorite or most helpful post thus far. Also, if there is a topic you are interested in hearing me ramble more about, let me know that too.
Finally, here are a few holiday photos of some of my biggest supporters. These four-legged friends do their supportive work daily, unknowingly, willingly, unconditionally and with tails wagging. Well, the dogs anyway!
I hope 2011 brings love, peace, happiness and good health for all of us!
Sophie and Elsie
I'm ready when you are!
I'm ready for anything!
How long do we have to stay on this snow pile?
Is it a holiday??
Holidays can be so exhausting!
Betty
Friday 14th of January 2011
Loved the pictures and your insights!
Nancy
Friday 14th of January 2011
Betty, Thank you!!
Brenda Ray Coffee
Sunday 2nd of January 2011
Nancy, As you know, I love your writing because it tells me volumes about Nancy, the woman. We've never met, but you play a big role in my life.
Like this evening, I'm writing tomorrow's blog, about losing James this week, and I decided to come "visit" my friend. We both use things from our lives as the basis for our blogs & I believe that's why they ring true.
I wish all good things for you this year, sweet friend.
XOXOXOX, Brenda
Nancy
Sunday 2nd of January 2011
Brenda, I am so glad to hear from you, I have been thinking about you non-stop. I keep remembering an earlier comment you made about writing being your one constant and true compass, so I know when you are writing your blog or whatever it is, it is an important step and source of comfort for you on this long road of grieving that is ahead of you. I'm grateful your "visits" to my blog help in some small way. Thanks for your good wishes. With heartfelt thoughts and prayers for your healing, Brenda.
Lily
Saturday 1st of January 2011
Nancy, hope 2011 is really a good year for you ... you deserve nothing less
Nancy
Sunday 2nd of January 2011
Lily, Thank you so much for reading and taking time to leave your good wishes. I hope you have a really good year as well.
Lori Hope
Saturday 1st of January 2011
Love the photos! Thank you for becoming a vital part of my community and for inviting me to become part of yours. I am still just beginning to come to terms with my loss. Looking forward to and dreading writing about it for the second edition of my book... Wishing you a year of good health, happiness, and success, however you define it! xox, Lori
Nancy
Sunday 2nd of January 2011
Lori, Thanks for your comments. Glad you enjoyed the photos. Good luck with the second edition of your book; I'm sure it will be difficult at times but will also be a source of healing for you as well.
Anna Rachnel
Friday 31st of December 2010
Nancy, Happy New Year to you and the pets as well !!! Where would we be without our furry little friends ?? I just love the way you write. Your writing has a sense of calm about it that seems to rub off on me the right way. So looking forward to continuing the conversation in 2011.
Nancy
Friday 31st of December 2010
Anna, Thank you and Happy New Year to you!! I honestly don't know where my family would be without our furry friends. They bring calmness to our lives, well maybe not all the time, but when they are being well behaved anyway! I just love your little mascot!! I'm looking forward to continuing the conversation in 2001 as well.