blogger mom

I'm always ready to start the new year after the holidays. I love celebrating Christmas, but by January 1st I can't wait to get back into a normal routine. We had a very relaxing time with my family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We really enjoyed our time with my parents and grandparents. On the 27th we went to Canton to spend time with Eric's family while his grandparents were in town. It was good to spend some time with his grandparents because we don't get to see them very often. Then we left with Mimi, Pop Pop, Aunt Rachel, Uncle Gabe, Aunt Angie, Uncle Chris and Joshua for the Kalahari water park in Sandusky. The boys had a blast! It was really a fun time away for all of us.

At our New Year's Eve dinner Eric's dad was talking about what a great year 2006 had been. Something sank in my stomach as I thought back over the past twelve months. Honestly, it was the most difficult year of my life. Yes, two new Stetler babies were a wonderful blessing...a beautiful gift. But 2006 was difficult, and often extremely painful.

*A year ago today I stood over Luis' body at Children's Hospital begging God to heal what doctor's couldn't. This picture immediately came to my mind sitting at the dinner table this New Year's Eve. Tomorrow Luis will have been gone for one year.

*In February our friends went through an extremely difficult time, and we felt helpless as we listened and prayed for them.

*In March our community stood and wept as we watched Mark's body being carried to his grave. I had no idea how to help my husband grieve, how to grieve myself. The strain on our marriage was extraordinary as our pain over Mark's death spilled into the way we interacted with one another. The pain for our community was intense.

*The first half of 2006 was spent on an emotional roller coaster, my third pregnancy was by far my most difficult. Physically it was very painful and tiring, emotionally it was exhausting. In June Evan Daniel Stetler was born, the highlight of 2006. He is a beautiful gift to us, he brings us so much joy.

*The rest of the year was full of transition as Eric and I began to seek out what God had next for our family. Life was full of questions and frustrations. Relationships that matter the most to us became filled with tension.

*In August we moved my grandparents from the home they've lived in for nearly 50 years into a retirement community. This was extremely stressful for my mom, who carried a lot of the weight for this transition on her shoulders. We've watched as my grandpa's mind has been taken by dementia this year. It's been hard for us all, but especially for my grandma who is responsible for his care each day.

*The last two months we've been trying to keep Evan healthy. A lot of sleepless nights, a tired mommy and daddy.

I've learned a lot from 2006. I think the most important thing I've learned is how to be content even when my days are filled with more questions than answers. I'm learning to wait, and how to have peace in the midst of the waiting. 2007 will surely bring a lot more transition for our family. Eric started school yesterday at Columbus State as he prepares to start nursing school next January. We are planning on moving to a new neighborhood this year and Riley will start kindergarten in the fall. I'm excited to see what God has for us this year. Although 2006 was difficult, God has continued to prove that He is faithful. My list of things I'm thankful for is long. All that has taken place over the last 12 months is part of our story, and each struggle has made us stronger.