as far as years go, this was a full one. every facet of life was experienced, beginning with grandpa's death at the opening of the year, to sheer joy playing in the snow of the wasatch, to being awed by chile's beauty, overwhelmed by constant english-spanish translation, and the strong bonds of friendship across countless miles. there was the sensation of sun on my skin and salt water in my hair, the reawakening of life as spring came around, complete with booming thunderstorms. my fears were revived as my body confused the doctors, and i lost much of what i had been working for all year, physically speaking, as i spent eight days terrified by fevers and blood pressure alarms. i was profoundly hungry, frustrated to tears, and frightened as i've never been before. but, like the reemergence of green in the spring, slowly i clamored back to life, and i went from crawl to walk to run while out at the cabin, hearing the sounds of loons, bald eagles, and rolling thunder. i cried tears of joy as i rode 50 miles up hills that seemed insurmountable. summer waned, and fall arrived, bringing shorter days and crisper air. the holidays kicked off in sunny florida and will end in wintry new england.
i'd like next year to be a bit less sporting, at least in the sense this year was. less adventure of the unexpected kind and a more even keel would be welcomed. of course, nothing is guaranteed, and as much as i'd like to think i am in control, i know too well i am not. in light of that, i will count on this and little else - experience has proven the times i hold most dear are the ones in which i am with my family and friends. whether hiking in patagonian winds or along caribbean beaches; whether watching live music or listening to paul simon while playing rummy in the hospital; whether yelling with 100,000 fans or just a couple in the living room. there will be more times like those. and that is what i am most looking forward to.
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