Typically at the end of the year I do a small breakdown of the goings on and whatnots that occurred in my life for the last 12 months. This year, I'd like to do something a little different, as there isn't much to report in the personal life. I'll do a quick summary paragraph and then move on to a tribute to two amazing people that I lost this year.
I graduated with a Master's Degree last December and have now spent an entire year looking for a way to make it earn me money. Turning out not to be the best investment. We have gotten nowhere on starting a family, but did start costly and invasive treatments in June. My brother married the love of his life in September, and I finally got to be in a wedding other than my own. I was also put in charge of the bridal shower which I drafted much needed help from friends, as I was clueless.
The biggest change in my life this year involves losing my last remaining grandparents. At the beginning of the year, I lost my Grandma H, who was my mother's mother. Then a few months back, I lost my Grandpa D who was my dad's father. I'd like to tell you about these two amazing people.
Grandma H was not your typical Grandma. She was a party animal! She'd drink any of her grand kids under the table if given the chance. I spent 1 week of every summer staying with her and my little cousin. We always had a blast going shopping at Younkers and hanging at the Moose. Grandma had a heart of gold, and it always amazed me how people I'd never met would come up to me and tell me how wonderful she was. It just goes to show how she was able to have an impact on so many people. She was outgoing and fun, but not afraid to threaten to kick your ass either. She loved us grandkids, we never had any doubt. She succumbed to Alzheimer's in the last decade of her life, which was hard to watch, but she always kept her kind and compassionate demeanor. I miss her terribly!
Grandpa D was a no nonsense kind of guy. He expected the best of his kids, and was only marginally more lenient with us grandkids. No one worked harder than my grandpa, of that I have no doubt. He built up multiple businesses, and even took playing board games to a whole new level by making his own boards and pieces like Trionimos out of counter top (which I have to this day). He built decks and ramps and garages, you name it, he could build it, roof it, or side it. He was competitive and took playing games seriously. Be it pingpong, shuffleboard, Rummikub, or Skip-Bo, if you won the game, you won it fair and square because he wasn't going to let you win. While his body failed him, his mind stayed sharp until close to the end. He was obsessed with coming to see my new house, and loved hearing stories of home improvement projects like our new roof. I miss his expert advice.
So 2012 wasn't the best year for me, but it did have some up moments. I'm hoping and praying for more up moments in 2013, since there will be a 2013.
Peace and love to you all.
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