I want to spend my writing time this evening reflecting on the positive aspects of my life that were present in 2023. I think that would be a suitable ending for the year on New Year’s Eve. This list will certainly not be all-inclusive or in any particular order since I am relying on my memory to serve me well over the next twenty minutes. But I’ll do my best to look back over 2023 and think about what has been most important to me. 

Here are a few things that I am grateful for:

1. While not technically in 2023, the December 14th, 2022 arrival of Ethan Arthur Betty, our fourth grandchild and the first from Liz and Ron, is a standout event that will no doubt top the list in importance of anything in 2023. What a little love Ethan is as he joins his three cousins, Luna, Nico, and Lyla, who all occupy a special spot in their grandma’s heart.
2. A definitive diagnosis and successful ear surgery for Nico, our other grandson, who will have a second surgery in 2024. We are very happy that we now know the issues Nico is facing with his hearing and these surgeries will help remedy the problem and restore some of his hearing in that particular ear. Hooray for modern science.
3. My sweet visits with all my grandkids with lots of games of hide and seek and Go Fish. Having the opportunity to spend time with these dear children is absolutely at the top of my list of happy moments in 2023.
4. My close relationship with my three daughters and their partners. I love all of these folks deeply and feel so fortunate to have not only my dear daughters but also their exceptionally sweet partners in my life. Thank you, girls, for being such fine people and for making such good choices!
5. My ongoing love for Ray, my husband, with a marriage that has lasted 43 years so far. I am deeply grateful that we are such good friends and are so close. I am lucky indeed to have such a fine partner with whom to navigate life.
6. My close relationships with extended family and friends. Again, I am very fortunate to have such a wide group of special folks in my life.
7. My longstanding relationship with my St. Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood, family. My fellow parishioners and Father Davies serve as an anchor for me here in California and bring me much joy.
8. The opportunity to share my writing life with my Story Circle Network writing sisters. This group of women supports and sustains me in all of my endeavors related to writing. I am so grateful to have them lifting me up.
9. The opportunity to work with my writing students, who bring much joy to my life.
10. My spiritual growth as I work to live a more purpose-filled life.
11. My passion for writing, which helps me to stretch and grow.
12. My wonderful relationships with my Facebook and 20 Minutes a Day friends who range from my hometown friends in Texas to my California friends, and many others I’ve had the pleasure to meet along the way.
13. The chance to enjoy our beloved orange grove and the peacefulness of Ojai.
14. The new roof on our Victorian in Texas and the fact that the oak tree that fell missed our barn. Hallelujah.
15. The opportunity to go to Ensenada, Mexico on family trips. What a gorgeous place that is!

I know this is just the tip of the iceberg, but my twenty minutes of writing has come and gone. Now I will join Ray as we celebrate the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. Happy New Year, my friends. Here’s to a happy, peaceful, and healthy 2024.