this entire past decade has been one of swift and profound change. life as we knew it in the U.S. ended on September 11, 2001. and racism as we know it took a big hit on January 20, 2009. war, unfortunately, is not over.
among other personal endings I faced the end of my marriage, of my son living at home, of my life in a house I loved on a lake in Atlanta, of my professional relationships with my editors and agent...and now of my relationship with jim. I have endured lyme disease, gallbladder surgery, several colonoscopies, all manor of minor ailments, and clinical depression.
among the good things: I published two novels and a chapbook. my son graduated (BS, MS) from Stanford and began living a cool life working for Yelp! in San Francisco. my daughter married and had my grandson, my beloved max, while managing to continue working as community editor of The New York Times web. her husband, my son-in-law, quickly worked his way from beginning a writing career as a freelancer to executive editor of Billboard magazine, and a veteran TV guest.
I became a certified high school teacher, which, despite current furloughs and salary and step freezes and a wide variety of annoyances, has meant that I can (barely) support myself for the first time in my life. I also began a meditation practice, which has helped me in every aspect of my life.
so tonight the decade ends--with no less than a blue full moon eclipse. and though I grieve the loss of all that has passed, I acknowledge that all things do pass, and I am grateful for all I have and for having lived.
and, oh yeah, I am grateful for henrietta, my 2000 honda civic, who, bless her engine, is NOT giving up the ghost with the decade.
happy new year.
6 comments:
I feel for you, Maryanne. The good the bad and the ugly. Here's hoping 2010 will bring the courage you need to continue your wonderful (and successful) journey. Happy New Year!
I'll drink to that, sister!
I'm drinking to that, too!
That is, as soon as I can get my hands on the next drink.
Wow, that's quite a year, and really a decade. I know I don't know you, and I probably shouldn't offer advice, but hey, I'm not going to let that stop me. Don't give up your house. Rent out a room to a very reliable, good-natured, quiet, helpful person. Stay secure where you are until you can retire. I retired on a small (ridiculously small) pittance from the university, but it was worth every minute staying there to get it. Also, if you can get some kind of health insurance along with the pittance, it's another giant reason to stay.
Here's wishing you good health and much joy in the new year.
Yow. I had no idea. 2010's got to be better.
Hey, Maryanne. I'm sorry to hear about all that has happened. Perhaps all of this is also suggestive of new beginnings and excitement (of the pleasant variety) for 2010. I'm thinking of you and wishing you better times ahead!
xo
Cheryl
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