#2012 - the year of change.

With 2012 around the corner, It's time that I recap this year. 2011 has been a year of tremendous highs and extreme lows not only for myself but for my family as well. I can only pray that 2012 will be a year of changing, a year of learning and experiencing much more than I've been capable of thus far.  It's been 45 days since I lost my mother and not a day goes by that I don't think of her. There comes a point in time this pain will come to rest and I will only laugh and smile at the memories that I've shared with her. It's something that I have not come to realization, to fully understand WHY this has happened, but I have to look at it as a form of strength because one thing  my mother taught me was strength. To not only love myself, but appreciate the good in life and also the not so good. I've been blessed to have an amazing group of friends and family who have been there for me. Even if it was just a shoulder to cry on, the love and support has been so helpful. I will take this challenge and turn it into something positive. I have to realize that your life is not guaranteed and every day that you do wake up, is truly a blessing. I welcome 2012 with open arms, and with the belief that it only gets better. I would like to welcome you all on this amazing journey that I call my life. Without you, I don't know if I would still be standing here. I have a lot going for me this year, with my family and friends by my side I feel I will, and CAN accomplish everything I set my mind to. We move into our house this week, I plan on going back to school, and I feel that with time my career and financial burdens will no longer exist. With God and my mom on my side I have faith that I will accomplish all there is to do, And I will continue to live in my mother's memory to promise myself and her only to improve myself for the better. 2011 has been an eye-opening experience of love, and loss. I've learned, I've experienced pain that I  have never experienced and I realize now, that I am here for a reason. My strength and willpower has been tested by extreme amounts, and I believe that with this experience I must learn. I've learned that you're not promised tomorrow, and have also learned how important it is to tell those around you how you feel, how they make you feel, and how important they are to you. I cherish and love each and everyone of you and I thank you for allowing me to take this journey, and I also thank you for experiencing this journey with me.