As we close on this year and decade, there is one word we return to again and again.
Gratitude
On an irregular basis while at the dinner table we take turns voicing our "Hi-Low" from the day. And on so, so many days, it leaves us with an appreciation that the day wasn't so bad after all, and tomorrow is a new day.
This year we are thankful for healthy and strong bodies and fed minds that continue to want to seek out new travels, books, communion with friends, love for family, and peace.
This year brought loss; our beloved Ramona left us much too soon for our hearts and we walked through this grief (and continue to) together.
This year brought Mei Li. She was found in a parking lot by a couple of good Samaritans who fed her, started her vaccines, and intentionally didn't name her so that she would be ready to find home. She found it, has a fondness for chewing on it, and we are thrilled. And thankful.
This year we enjoyed where we live with, alternating between our favorite Indian places nearly every week, finding new little creeks and waterfalls on hikes, camping with our dear friends on Petit Jean, snuck a mini trip in to Mount Magazine in the spring. And then Ben hopped on a mountain bike. We are thankful for a year with no broken bones.
This year we sought to escape the merciless Arkansas sun to foggy England. We explored the pastoral Cotswolds, hiked amongst the sheep, Brandy had an experience with the NHS (on the other side of doctoring), ate all the fish and chips and hiked the craggy hills of Cornwall down to the most beautiful beach and water we have ever not swam in.
This year Ben and Brandy woke up to 40. We aren't sure how it's supposed to feel, but we're glad it doesn't feel old. We decided to celebrate a tinge early by walking for 4 days and 45 miles through the City of Lights. Every moment (except maybe the lost ones or the steps up to Sacre Coeur) felt deeply special. Hands down, our favorite time was the morning spent walking through Pere Lachaise Cemetery to find Proust's grave, followed by coffee at Cafe Pure. I then led us on a while goose chase to find Sezane, and that balanced out the calm peaceful morning.
A new school year meant a third grader and another year of Pre-K for Thomas. Ben commenced his third year of teaching at OBU now as a tenure track Assistant Professor and Brandy, another year of wrestling with the joys and struggles of hospitalist work. We are grateful to feel established and challenged in our jobs and school.
We are grateful that Serena and Thomas are being challenged in strength of mind and muscle in Taekwondo, basketball, and in music - Serena (violin) and Thomas (piano).
We are thankful for our church home and rhythm. You can find Ben in the choir along with Serena and Thomas. Serena is especially working hard and it has been delightful to hear her voice sounding more and more strong to meet her enthusiasm. You can find me in the pew every other week, shushing children.
As always, we remain focused on our futures and our children's future as well as the current world around us. We struggle to understand other perspectives and continue to fight for equality, for a safer world, a greener world for our children's futures, and for justice.
And now, lists!
favorites read,seen, listened to, or experienced in 2019:
Read:
Harry Potter (Serena)
Dragons Love Tacos (sigh) (Thomas)
Becoming, The Dutch House, The Overstory (Brandy)
Gilead, Wolf Hall, Stoner (Ben)
Watched:
Wild Kratts (S & T)
Watchmen, Fleabag (B & B)
Podcasts:
Wow in the World, Circle Round, Smash Boom Best (Thanks, Lumpkins!) (S & T)
OnBeing, Supersoul, Pantsuit Politics, The Liturgists, Armchair Expert (Brandy)
Good Christian Fun, IceBox Radio Theater, Anthem: Homonculus (Ben)
Experienced:
Hiking at Arthur's Castle (all)
Going to Nena's and NaiNai's (all!)
Climbing out of the metro station to see Notre Dame (Brandy)
Any time on the mountain bike (Ben)
We look with full hearts and eager minds to 2020!
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