2011 - The Year of Emotions

I often pepare a New Year's Cliff Notes posting to reflect on the happenings of the previous year. As I sat down to write my thoughts about 2011, the first word that came to mind was emotional...both good and bad.

2011 was a year of many significant milestones and events with tears of sadness and joy. Here are several of the events that made 2011 such an emotional year:

Philip: Phil had a great 2011. He was once again a forensics state champion, was named National Merit Scholar and an Excellence in Education Award recipient, and was granted a full ride scholarship to Kalamazoo College. We were so proud on Senior Awards night to see Philip return to the stage time and time again to be recognized for his efforts. The results were outstanding, but they came after a lot of work, worry and discussion about his future. He choose Kalamazoo College on the last decision day (May 30) and turned down acceptances to Rice University and The University of Chicago. Brenda and I also had the experience of sending our last child to college and adapting to being empty nesters.

Laurel: Laurel also had a great 2011. She had four wonderful years at The University of Michigan and we were so proud at her May graduation. But after going though a nine month process of applying to medical schools, she was the waiting list at Michigan State University and it appeared that she would have to reapply. But while we were up at the cabins, her phone rang and she was granted the last spot and was told that classes would start in Grand Rapids in less than two weeks. Laurel cried and Brenda and I cried. Laurel had worked so hard for this moment. Happy - yes! Emotional - yes!

Noni: Hospice was brought in during the summer as Noni's health continued to decline. We started 24/7 care and Brenda coordinated the work of our excellent caregivers. Right after Thanksgiving (and after seeing all five of her children), Noni stopped eating and passed away on December 12. She died in her home with Popi by her side. For Brenda and I, this is the first of our parents to die. We know she is in heaven, but the emotions of losing a mother are enormous.

Matilda: Bryan and Jessie's baby was suppose to be a 2012 Cliff Notes posting, but the day after Noni's burial, Jessie's water broke and labor started. So on December 21st, Brenda and I were driving to Chicago - excited to be grandparents, but still numb from the process of Noni's death. It was truly the circle of life all condensed in 36 hours. And did I mention that we hosted a baby shower for 27 people on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend? Noni loved holding babies. Watching Brenda hold Matilda is a special way to remember Noni's love.

In some ways, I wish I could experience 2011 all over again. The celebrations were plentiful, but so were the tears. I think Brenda and I would use a more boring 2012.