Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year, New Beginnings
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
--Alfred Lord Tennyson
We had a wonderful time with my sister and her family ringing in the new year. The children were excited to see it come in. I was excited to hold my little niece! She is just precious and growing so much. She spends much more time awake and gazing into your eyes. I love talking to her and seeing her little smile.Tonight, I found a darling pattern for fabric Mary Janes that I'm going to make for her for the summer. (A pair in every color!)
We all managed to stay awake to see the ball drop and then we parted ways. The air was bitter cold, so I was happy to have a short drive home. Everyone celebrated today with pork and kraut. I love the first day of January. Everything seems fresh and new. I always wonder what the year will bring and there's always something to look forward to. For one thing, I know I will have a son who will be driving! (Should I look forward to that?)
No doubt, there will be many joys and trials. I remember saying the same thing on this day last year and by the end of the month, I was facing some very frightening symptoms. Those first few months were the absolute worst. It's hard for me to believe that it's nearly been a whole year of tests and procedures. I saw my neurologist last week and he agrees that my biopsy results are good news. However, he believes that I have MS. In my heart, I have felt this all along. I'll be going for a repeat MRI in a couple of months, but in the meantime, I am starting a medication to help control the symptoms. Maybe I should be fearful, but I'm really not. It has nothing to do with me...I mean, I am not especially strong or courageous. I just think the Lord has given me peace.
Anyway, we have a busy weekend to look forward to. On Saturday, all of our menfolk (my sister's family and my own) are spending the entire day in the woods dragging logs and cutting, splitting, and hauling the wood. From big to little, they'll all have a job. We're hoping to have enough to finish the winter and then some. While they're out working, my sister and I will prepare a nice noon meal for the "crew." It's supposed to be quite cold (which is good for operating the tractor on solid ground) so a nice hot lunch should help to warm them up a bit. I haven't decided on the menu yet, but that's a job for tomorrow.
For now, I am being called to read the very first bedtime story of the new year. :-)
Comments
Thursday, January 1, 2009 - Hello
Posted by Chas
Hello my friend... Happy New Year to you as well. I continue to remember you in my prayers and I am so proud of your courage as you face this uncertainty. What a testimony of the Peace that Passeth all understanding.
May this year be blessed for you, Sweet Amy.
Love,
Chas
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Friday, January 2, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Nadine
Thank you for sharing with us your beautiful blog. I am so happy that you have the peace of the Lord with you, that will give you great comfort and strength for the road ahead. I shall keep you in my prayers ~ may the Lord be with you and your family in 2009!
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Friday, January 2, 2009 - I'm still keeping you in my prayers!
Posted by inthemeadow
I'm sorry 2008 was such a difficult year for you! I too have had some scary symptoms for the past 5 years or so. I have also been told I may well have MS by docs. I have refused the MRI due to bad reactions to the dye in the past. One thing that is really helpful with MS is *lots* of sunshine, and a good quality vitamin D (D-3) supplement in the winter.
My menfolk are off to the woods to cut wood today, also!
I look forward to continued reading of your beautiful blog in 2009!
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Friday, January 2, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Mennobrarian
Praising the Lord that he has given you peace over this, but feeling sad in my heart that it is something as serious as MS. I just always want you to be healthy and full of energy, picking things from your garden and doing all of the seasonal things you write about, without complication. Perhaps that is selfish. My prayers are with you.
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Friday, January 2, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Your testimony of peace is a tremendous gift.
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Saturday, January 3, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by a1health
Happy New Year!
I hope 2009 is a blessed one for you and your family! A diagnosis is a good thing because then you can find out how to "fix" it. I'm so glad that you have peace in your heart. Remember that I'm still here for you!
Blessings,
~Farrah
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Saturday, January 3, 2009 - Stopping By....
Posted by bodkin
Dearest,
I finally just made myself sit down and visit all my blogging friends and leave a kind note of Hello.
I will and have kept you in my prayers with regard to your health. Your peace is inspiring as I am certain that this is a difficult time for you and your family.
The pictures of your home during the Christmas season are just so darling and I did copy down the Christmas Jam recipe and hope to make that next year.
I hope this year brings you much joy and happiness!
Yours kindredly,
Shan
Honey Hill Farm
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Monday, January 5, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by heritagehill
Yours is one of my favorite blogs, I enjoy visiting you here. I am sorry you have to face the trials of MS, but am so thankful for the strength you have been given for each day!
Marilyn
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