A Tale of Two Cities ....

It was the best of times,

it was the worst of times,

it was the age of wisdom,

it was the age of foolishness,

it was the epoch of belief,

it was the epoch of incredulity,

it was the season of Light,

it was the season of Darkness, 

it was the spring of hope,

it was the winter of despair,

we had everything before us,

we had nothing before us

-Dickens

2014 was not the year that I anticipated but I have learned so much .....

Faith is powerful ... if you have it to believe in, hold on to, you can face more than you ever imagined

Your job does not define you, you are still the smart, loyal, productive person whether you collect a paycheck or not

Some people are self centered. You can go out of your way to be generous, thoughtful and kind but you do not have the power to change them. Be generous, thoughtful and kind anyway.

There are very few material things that I need ... we continue to get by with less money, less takeout, and less stuff. 

Your friends are incredibly supportive if you let them be ... if you are transparent and share your fears and anxiety .. you will be comforted 

Your children are unbelievably perceptive, they are affected by the vibe you give off and you need to be very aware.  

There is always someone who is facing a struggle or situation that is so much harder than yours

I seriously have the best, most amazing husband ever ... I knew that already but the last 8 months the man has been a rock. He has wiped every tear, calmed every fear, cheered the loudest. He has set the tone and kept The Core Four on an even keel during these uncertain times. 

Sometimes the winter of despair must come before the spring of hope .... I am really hoping that our Spring of Hope is just around the corner!

"Out with the old and in with the new!"