Merry Christmas 2012

If you could have one wish, what would it be? As we reflect on 2012 we are reminded of the many, many things that we are thankful for. We started our year in the beautiful town of Chatham, MA  at “first night” with very dear friends from our college days.  And with our families and friends in CT, we toasted a new year with the hope of continued laughter and the joy and love that we have received freely throughout our life.  How blessed we are!!!

We continue to enjoy our NW adventure and our new friends here.  The beauty and choices in Oregon are still a wonder that we witness every day through snowshoeing, hiking, biking, running, concerts and volunteer work.  We even went to the Oregon State Fair this year!  

And we’re not the only ones who have been enjoying this great part of our country. Visitors included: Gabriela, our niece from NYC surprised us with 3 girlfriends on their cross-country trip.  It was quick but we were happy to host them and give them a little taste of Portland. 

Mike Hajdun from Colchester, CT came to join Stephen for the STP (for those of you who don’t know what this is, the STP is “SEATTLE TO PORTLAND” on bikes in 2 days – 200,  yes 200 miles).  They were very impressive and Susan served as our personal "sag wagon."

Maggie and EJ, close friends of Aris and Stacie from CT spent some time here vacationing (July) and shared their news of having their first child after we made poor Maggie climb a mountain. 

Ty, Susan’s brother from SC, didn’t quite make it to Portland but we were able to meet him in Seattle (July) for dinner and an overnight while he was on the west coast for work. 

Ben, Chey, Aris and Stacie spent a week (August) with us in sunny and beautiful Sunriver, OR in the high desert for a fun week of outdoor activity, great food and meaningful family time.

 

Stephen’s brother Raymond, his wife Nanette and sons Josh and Andrew came for vacation (August) and we think they covered (almost) the whole state in 10 days.

Susan had a great visit with her parents in SC (April); we had a week in our time share on the NC coast with Susan’s dad (October) and we are anticipating our trip to New England for Christmas and the New Year with in-person hugs.

Stephen started a new job heading up a new Encore Fellows program with Social Venture Partners in addition to his consulting and other endeavors.  He also put in an irrigation system in the yard.  He’s really taking on new challenges (NOTE:  mechanical reasoning!) and succeeding in ways he never dreamed of. Susan has continued her work in the garden as “The Plant Nanny” and business was even better this year than last.  In addition, she completed a training program and was nationally certified in phlebotomy.  She hopes to do both in the future.

Ben and Chey are still in Pittsburgh working very hard... well just working and sleeping really. Chey was accepted into a three-year pediatric cardiology fellowship so they will be in Pittsburg at least until 2016.

Aris and Stacie have been working on their home in Mansfield, CT and have done remarkable things to their kitchen, outside shed and various rooms in the house.  They approach the work with no fear and the outcome has been awesome.

On a sad note…Susan lost her mom in September, a loss we continue to grieve. She misses her voice the most, but pictures her dancing, running and swimming.  Marilyn never stopped smiling. The celebration of her life was beautiful and the love and outpouring of support was an extension of who she was.

On a very joyous note……As the circle of life would have it, Aris and Stacie are having their first child (and our first grandchild) in May.  We are thrilled and still walking on air even though we found out two months ago!!!

Amidst our personal and collective pain and suffering, our lives continue to be filled with hope, joy and love.  We wonder how we got so lucky and wish this same fortune for everyone.  In the words of Madisyn Taylor, “we can see that we all begin life in need of a lot of care and attention and many of us end life the same way. Giving and receiving are companion energies that take turns throughout our lives, and we all get a chance to be on both sides.”

What would you wish for? We wish you a very blessed and peaceful season and a 2013 filled with love,  joy,  and comfort in your sorrows.

with love,

Susan and Stephen