Times' Up!

One Year of Blogging. Please hold your applause, I'll try to keep it short.

I quick-scrolled through the last year, when trying to decide if I was going to acknowledge the day or not. Just what in the heck all have I rambled on about in a year?

A lot, after all. I see I was a little shy at first, or maybe I just remember hitting "Publish Post" and cringing, waiting to find out what your response would be.

It's been warm, and you've been encouraging, and you've gained my trust.

Laced throughout random yammerings, you have, in the last year, walked with me through a few conflicts with my son, and held my hand when it was time for me to stand back and let go; let him make a decision that I wouldn't have made for him. You said goodbye to him, with me, held my hand while I waited for letters from him, and welcomed him back home just as warmly.

Many of you are reading, that don't comment. Some of you e-mail instead. Some stop me on the street and give me words of support. Some prefer to remain anonymous, and that's all right too. I appreciate you all.

There are those that wonder about these friendships we establish here. Let them laugh. I really can't mentally rewind the last year, and imagine it without this outlet, and without your support. I suppose that I might have survived without you. But I would have had to do it without literally HUNDREDS of your comments and emails. Some were even brave enough to send me phone numbers, and offered to take my call at any hour.

I haven't yet. I don't want to impose. But be forewarned: I still have them.

The last twelve months were nicer because you were in it. I look forward, of course, to dragging you through the next, and sharing yours.

Thank you.

Oh.

I almost forgot.

These are for you.