Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Year that Was



I remember the moment the year turned into 2009. I was snuggled up in bed having crashed at about an hour before midnight. Morning sickness and first trimester exhaustion were a serious party killer. I woke at the moment of the new year as the first of 108 bell rings at the local temple was tolled. I rolled over and wish DH a happy new year and then we both went back to sleep.

And so the year began, with our little family of two living in Japan and announcing that we were soon to become a family of three.

By March, I was celebrating my birthday during a final trip to Tokyo to see Cirque Du Soleil, finishing my teaching job, saying tearful goodbyes to dear friends and students, leaving my home in Japan and reconnecting with other dear friends and moving into my new home in Australia.

April found me meeting new friends, a number whom I already "knew" from blogging as I joined the Brisbane chapter of Brown Owls and finding out we were having a little girl.

In May, I started getting domestic (early nesting anyone?) with crocheting for the baby-to-come, failed attempts at cooking and going into excited baby clothes washing sessions.

By June, it was all about the unpacking as our boxes arrived from Japan.

In the first half of July, I was impatiently waiting for our little one to arrive, and then by the end of the month I was enjoying all the mummy cuddles I could fit in.

August and September are a bit of a blur as I was finding my feet in my new role as mummy and also returning to work, madly preparing for market life.

October, in Blogtoberfest, I found new motivation to write a post a day. I was inspired.

That then brings us to November when on the day we were supposed to attend an old friend's wedding, I took DH up to the emergency department at the hospital, frustrated that despite having been sick for weeks, having lost 15 kg in two weeks and being no longer able to even keep down water, his GP continued to drag his feet. DH was in surgery by the afternoon and we had the cancer diagnosis a few days later. Chemo treatments started very soon after that.

The remainder of the year I have found myself challenged, juggling life with the little one, daily trips to the hospital and trying to earn the family's income. Things have fallen by the wayside for the while, my blog has been neglected, emails unanswered and Christmas cards unsent. I haven't been as present in the lives of my friends as I'd like. There are good days and bad, but I'm happy to say, while totally exhausting, most have been good.

In between all that I have met some wonderful people, been inspired by so many more and watched the little one grow into an even more amazing creature every day.

But mostly, and mostly importantly, for me, for us, 2009 has been about how lucky we are to be surrounded by so much love, generosity and kindness.

Once again, it is New Year's Eve, and once again, I find myself going off to bed before the stroke of twelve. The little one is sound asleep in her cot in our room and DH is also home from the hospital for a while, tonight connected to a pump that will fill his veins with chemo as he slumbers. There won't be temple bells ringing to wake us tonight, but I'm sure there will be cheers from neighbours so that I can roll over to kiss my husband for the first time in the new year.

So now, a new year and one that I wish for everyone to be filled with love, laughter, health, happiness, peace and prosperity.

Happy 2010!

22 comments:

SomedaysSarah said...

Happy New Year to you and your family. Wishing you all the best for the year to come - may it be one full of health and happiness.

Irit said...

As a reader of both your blogs, I think is by far the most beautiful post you have written so far.

I am moved to tears by your description of your husband's ordeal, and am amazed that even now, some doctors don't do their job very well.

Dear Melanie, I wish you and your family a wonderful new year indeed. May you have only joy, peace, and, most importantly, good health.

I'm sending you a big hug from Israel, where it is 16:38, so we are still officially in 2009. :-)

BumbleVee said...

Happy New Year Melanie.... may 2010 find your hubby healthy once again...

hugs, V....

CurlyPops said...

What a year you've had - so many challenges to fight your way through. I hope that 2010 brings your family health and happiness.

Jodie said...

I hope 2010 sees a great year for your family. I wish you health and happiness and strength.

Tas said...

What extremes of emotion your family have shared in 2009. I hope that 2010 finds you and your family blessed with good health and less challenging hurdles.

esther said...

Happy New Year to you and your family. I thought your post was beautifully worded and full of emotion. You are a truly brave and caring woman. All of the best for 2010.

K and S said...

all the best for 2010!

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

Wow! What a year 2009 was for you and your family. I also hope that 2010 brings health and happiness for you all.

Soja said...

Happy New Year, I'm glad to hear that you were all together. Wishing you and your family health and happiness. All things must pass... even bad things, let the new year bring many good things!

Rachael Hutchings said...

One of the things that strikes me is how much joy you are able to bring to others, despite your own pain and hardship. You are truly an angel. Thank you for your friendship and for continuing to inspire us. Much love to you and your family in the New Year. XOXO

Jason said...

Happy New Year. I really admire your strength.

Allie said...

Happy New Year sweetie, I wish you and yours health and prosperity for the coming year - especially health. I am praying for you guys.

Kate said...

My first visit to your blog and here I am crying. What a crazy rollercoaster ride 2009 was for you. I hope 2010 is a happy and healthy time for you and your family. I hope you are inspired and excited. X

Cindy said...

Happy 2010 to you and your family. I hope that it is filled with great things and smiles and love and all the things you all deserve. You are in my thoughts and hugs to your precious girl too

Tania said...

Well. You lot over there sure know how to pack a rollercoaster in to a year. I wish for you all a year of calm and joy, strength and laughter. And countless future annual midnight wakings, when the slate is wiped clean and you lean over to kiss your husband for the first time in another new year.

PS. From one night owl to another, firstly, I am amazed you are in bed before the dawning of any new year. Secondly, if there was any 'resolving' to be done, it should be for both of us to get to bed EARLIER every other day of this year! x

Kelly said...

Hi Mel,

Long time no visit. I was sorry to hear about your husband, I had no idea! I am sending lots of love and healing to you guys, and strength to get through it.

Although we are not with you in person, just remember we are all with you in spirit, so you are never alone!

I wish your husband a speedy recovery and hope that 2010 is a great one for you and your family.

All the best,
Kelly Azuma xxx

handmaiden said...

melanie, hope 2010 is everything u want it to be
sharon

Leonie Guld said...

May you have all the love, health and happiness in the world this year!!! Love to you and yours x

Jetta's Nest said...

Oh Mel, I had no idea about your husband's health problems and I'm so sorry to hear he's not well. The diagnosis must have been an incredible shock for both of you.

Wishing you all the very best of health (lots and lots of good health) and happiness in 2010.

take care

Sam

Aussie-waffler said...

Melanie, I've got a little ache in my heart reading that post. I hope that 2010 sees strength and health return to your little family. I'm very much looking forward to sharing your journey and seeing all the beautiful, creative delights on your lovely blog. xx

Jenny said...

What an amazing year you have had-such a lot has happened in the space of a short time. May 2010 be so wonderful for you and your family. Wishing you peace, good health and happiness:)

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails