Goodbye 2013

Goodbye 2013.  I did not enjoy you at all so I am burying you in this lovely tomb deep in the bayou where you may rest in peace. Before you are gone forever I want to thank you for all you have taught me, the good and the bad.

The first thing you taught me about is about mental illness.  Mental illness comes in many forms.  Sometimes we cannot see it, as it does not bleed, nor does it does not swell up and turn purple.  Some forms of mental illness can be diagnosed and treated.  Some are simply diagnosed.  Some are never diagnosed and live on, affecting all.

Next you taught me compassion.  You taught me it is good to care for those who are suffering and incapable of helping themselves even though they may never appreciate or have the capacity to appreciate what we’re doing. You taught me to do what you can and then when you think you have nothing left in you, do some more.

Which brings me to the next lesson you taught me.  While taking care of others, make sure you take care of yourself, mentally and physically.  Also careful of what you say when you haven’t taken care of yourself, how you say it and be especially careful of what you say on Facebook.  Those who are not close to you may not understand what or why you’re saying something and unfriend you.  Wait a minute, if they unfriend you that quickly, are they really your friend?

The greatest lesson you taught me is about family.  Family is not always the ones you sat around the dinner table with as a kid.  I think Sarah Dessen says it perfectly.

"What is family? They were the people who claimed you. In good, in bad, in parts or in whole, they were the ones who showed up, who stayed in there, regardless. It wasn't just about blood relations or shared chromosomes, but something wider, bigger."

Family is your spouse standing beside you. Family is your grown children and their spouses who are there for you without question. Family is the little grandchildren with their hugs and smiles.  Family is your boss at work, his wife and your photo buddy.  Family doesn't give up on you. Family are the people who are always there for you, no matter what.  And 2013, for teaching me about family, I thank you the most.