Looking

With just five hours left of 2012, I have little time to look back before the looking forward begins.

2012 was safe. It was calm.  No big moves. No new schools. No new jobs or pets. It makes me quite uncomfortable, the idea that “big change” did not show up this year. Part of me fears that safe and calm could turn into stuck and stalled.

Then I look at my daughter sitting behind the steering wheel, heading full steam ahead towards full independence.

Then I look up, ever so slightly, at my son’s not-quite-so-smooth face. When 2012 began, I still cast my eyes downward to look into his. I hear him speak and wonder, when did his voice become so deep?

Then I look at my baby. My double digits, up-to-my-shoulder baby. I know that in one year’s time, when 2013 comes to a close, she won’t seem so little anymore. I see the edge of adolescence not so far in the distance.

And, finally, I look in the mirror, at myself. A few more gray hairs, deeper laugh lines and crows feet, maybe a new age spot or two. And a new blog that I built with new knowledge and used to connect with new people. When I look close, I think that’s a little self pride I see.

2012 may not have been a year of great changes, but I can’t look around me without seeing the growth that occurred in the last 366 days. And I can’t be anything but grateful for calm waters and safe travels along the way.

I thank you all for the part you have played in my life over the last year, be it small or large, and I look forward to another 365 days of growing with all of you by my side.

Happy New Year!