27 was marred by both intense physical and emotional pain. Abandonment, hip reconstruction, shingles, jaw surgery, robbery, epidurals, etc.

And while 28 is beginning with forced actions, back surgery, and loss, I can't help but smile. 

27 will forever be a year of loss, but more importantly it was a year of growth. Growth in Faith, friendships, wisdom, patience, meekness, strength, courage. Through the Lords Grace, Mercy, and pure Love, blessings were born out of pain and loss. 

There are no words of gratitude big enough to thank those who have shown immense love and support this year. I thank you for your encouragement, your love, your openness, for listening ears and wise words, for meals when I was too weak to walk and hard drinks when I was too weary to talk. I thank you all for true friendship. 

If you are going through trouble know this: what you think is a hurricane is just the rustling of the wind. You will get through it, it may not be easy or painless, but you will get through it.

Thank you for the birthday wishes, I will do my best to honor them and wear a smile through this year.

Be Still, Trust, have Faith. 

Stick that needle to the groove and keep on singing.