One Hell Of A Year

It was the best of years; it was the worst of years. Okay, so that was hardly an original thought, but the perfect summation of 2016, nonetheless.

I sit here on the second day of the new year reflecting back on both immense joy and intense sorrow. And how it all flew by as quick as it did, while delivering such a wallop, I’ll never know.

The joy? Plenty of it, including my ongoing work on The Matthews & McGuire Show, getting within weeks of completing the final edit on my second novel and quitting drinking (more on this in a future blog). But I also knocked three big things off my bucket list:

The sorrow? I lost an aunt, an uncle, two cousins and, worst of all, my beloved mother who suffered a massive stroke on the very day of her 60th wedding anniversary. Years have gone by without losing a soul in our family, but the celestial train pulled into the station and refused to leave until every last seat got filled. Many of my friends had loved ones climb aboard that beast of a machine, as well, leading to a permanent heart based bond in grief and support.

So what has two days of reflection on that 12 month roller coaster ride brought me? Gratitude. Yes, gratitude, because that’s what I choose to focus on.

Don’t get me wrong. I have moments yet when I’m overwhelmed by the losses and have to retreat into my cave made of bed sheets, but I’m grateful that I had as much time on the planet with these people as I did and that we got to share so much. Besides, my mother would kick my ass if I didn’t recognize my blessings amidst the mayhem, and nothing reminds us to live quite like death. Believe me, I’ve received that message blastingly loud and clear.

I’m also grateful for the above mentioned highs that pushed me so far out of my comfort zone that it would be a major struggle to crawl back in. Each new adventure prepares us to take on the next, and I’m primed for the new year.

I wish each of you a fun filled, goal-centric, limit breaking, love induced and rockus 2017. Regardless of what it delivers, let’s take one step at a time, one day at a time, and one glorious opportunity to grow at its ever lovin’ time.

 

14 Comments

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  1. I’m so sorry for all your losses this year, Leana. And I’m cheering your triumphs. It’s always a pleasure to see your name in my inbox. May you be happy. May you feel safe and at ease. May your heart and mind be awake and free. All good in 2017.

  2. Hey Leana!
    what a beautifull post! to much as happend in 2016 for you my dear friend!
    of curse, some are good, but some are so hard to live through for a long time!
    Only time, will kind of heal your lost my friend! be greatfulll that you had your dear mom for so long!! for your new project, I’m giving you a hands up !!! yes my dear! between you and I, few time I’ve stop drinking for few months and it was harder on the people around me, it was like they did’nt understand my decision so they were shocked…anyhow, it’s a good thing for you my friend! enjoy! Love…Michèle

    • Wow, me too! Quitting made a lot of my friends uncomfortable. It’s a strange phenomenon, for sure.

      I love you, and CHEERS to a great 2017. xo

  3. What an admirable and inspiring woman you are Leana! I wish you much joy and further success in 2017! xo

  4. This is so beautifully written, Leana. You are such an incredibly talented person. I feel so fortunate to know you. I have also suffered the loss of a parent and I tell you, it is hard. What gives me peace is knowing I’ll see my Dad again and I also know he is looking down on me, proud of the woman I have become. Thanks for sharing your soul. This touched my soul.

  5. Never ceases to amaze me and you’re right she would kick your butt

  6. Leana you are an amazing and inspiring woman. With each loss your spirit has shone through and brought you to where you are. I am so looking forward to reading your second novel. I feel privileged to have met you and consider you a friend. 2017 I know will be a great year for you.

  7. Shirley A. Moran

    January 5, 2017 — 1:21 am

    So richly and lovingly expressed, Leana Delle. My best wishes to you this brand new year, 2017. ❤ Shirley

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