It’s New Year’s Eve! Is it possible for a year to simultaneously be the worst and best year of your life? If so, that’s 2014 for me.

The worst: Health. Lyme disease for me (with most of the year undiagnosed or misdiagnosed) and the food allergies for the kids. We’re all still battling. Our lives are inhibited in a lot of ways by these illnesses.

But for as much as I share our struggles, I wanted to share some things I am grateful for this year!

• We took our first “big” family vacation to Florida. We got to spend some time at my mother’s winter home in Sarasota, and we took the kids to Disney. We also spent some time at both of our family’s camps in the Adirondacks this summer.
• We built a great play area for the kids in our basement. They love it, and it’s working out so well for all of us. Toys are co-located and more organized, there is more play-space, and the kids each have a large table to work on their projects-of-the-moment without anyone else in their space.
• I am so grateful to have people in my life (some “new”, some “old”) who have been such blessings… always there with kindness and support, and always willing to help. It’s truly awesome to have people who I know value me and want my presence, even when I’m not able to do as much since I’ve been ill.
• I feel like I’ve been able to go through the whole year with a grateful mind and heart. It’s helped me to handle everything that’s come my way, and it’s also helped me to be true to myself. I’ve been able to embrace and appreciate the things that were meant for me, and I’ve learned when to accept that certain things weren’t meant for me. I feel like I’ve been able to stay true to myself and find peace in my heart, even during some challenging circumstances.
• I am grateful for forgiveness. We all need forgiveness and understanding at times. It is a blessing not only to receive forgiveness, but also to be able to forgive others (even when they haven’t necessarily asked for it). (A favorite verse.)
• There is so much beauty in the world, isn’t there? I am so grateful to see it everyday. I love Upstate NY with all my heart. It’s truly one of the most beautiful places to live in every season.
• I have gotten to see first-hand that people genuinely have such helpful spirits. Countless people have offered us help. (Even though it’s hard sometimes to find the WAYS for everyone to help, the spirit is definitely so very much appreciated.) Friends have connected me with their friends with Lyme and food allergies in their lives, and these people, previously STRANGERS, have spent countless HOURS messaging me on Facebook, emailing, texting, and even calling me to help and offer kind words. The human spirit is beautiful and amazing.
• So many people have rallied behind my kids and really gone the extra mile to accommodate them. Friends and family have made sure their homes have been safe and welcoming for us and have gone out of their way to have safe food and snacks for the kids. The kids’ preschool has worked with us to keep them safe, and our church has made the kids play area and my son’s Sunday School classroom nut free. They even keep outside groups out of that room and wipe down the tables before class each week. Amazing!
• So many people have been so encouraging with my writing and sharing here, and so many are encouraging me to write and share MORE. Friends and family, fellow lymies, and fellow allergy moms — your encouragement is so appreciated.
• I have never felt more sure of God’s presence and guidance than I have this year. We’ve been led through struggles, but we’ve also been guided to the right doctors and answers, and we’ve been given many helping hands. God is with us each and every step of the way, and we are truly blessed.

See? It’s been a wonderful year, too! Thank you all for reading! Happy New Year!

I hope and pray for a wonderful 2015 filled with many blessings for everyone. Remember to keep love in your heart, have courage, and do not to be afraid to make mistakes.