Goodbye to 2008!

Dear 2008,

Let's be honest, you've been tough on my family. Deaths, illnesses, personal and professional challenges and worries ... not our best year. But before we tip our (old, battered) hats and say a final goodbye, I want to pause and reflect on the blessings you brought.

And so, 2008's greatest hits:

- Another wonderful year with Owen, in which he learned to talk more, sleep less and charm us all exponentially

- Cearra graduated from high school and completed her first semester at college (with a 3.2 GPA) and a new sense of strength and purpose (and, as she would point out, without gaining the Freshman Fifteen)

- My dad beat cancer and successfully told his heart to get its act together - way to go dad

- My dad's two brothers faced some major health challenges and came out stronger ... it's the Kaufmann way

- Samantha and Mackenzie welcomed adorable, healthy (and so far mercifully laid-back) baby brother Riley

- Four of my dearest and most amazing friends found their daughters - welcome home Ava, Aaliya, Brooke and Elloree

- Nanny retired and joyfully devoted more time to creating beauty and sharing her gifts with us all

- Penn State football was thisclose to going undefeated and heads to the Rose Bowl New Years Day (that is a blessing in my world)

And so we head into January with joy and optimism, yet admittedly bearing a few new scars. I'd like to think we'll be stronger for them.

We will of course always love and miss those we lost this year - Tom, Grandmother Fyock, Snyd, Grandmother Mary, Chris, and my hero, my Nana. It is our duty and honor to remember them well.

But when you look for good, you find it. I'm positive 2009 will bring more good things (and hopefully a few less tears) and I wish the same for you all.