Goodbye 2018

Well, 2018, I see that it is almost time to say goodbye.  It was a wonderful visit.  I’m so glad you came to spend the time with us.  I am sad to see you go.  Your visit seemed to go by so quickly.  All these visits seem to go quickly anymore.  Even so, we managed to get a lot accomplished while you were here.   Together we witnessed my daughter’s graduation day and the start of her career.  This was also the summer of the family room renovation. You should feel privileged to have been around for the completion of that long-awaited project.

Yes, yes, I know that I should not measure the value of our time together simply by what we accomplished. I haven’t forgotten about all the fun we’ve had.   I will cherish the time we spent sitting quietly, before the sunrise, just thinking about how the little girls in this house are growing into delightful young women, even in the short time you’ve been here. I haven’t forgotten grieving together as you wrapped your arms around some of my friends and mentors as they were called home.  This has been a time of both great professional success while, at the same time, a struggle to maintain balance.  Is this something I’ll ever learn to manage?

I see that there is another visitor on her way, perhaps a relative of yours? I hope she is as excited to be here as we are to have her.  I imagine she'll bring more gifts to my family just as you did. The celebration of her arrival is planned for tonight.  It won't be huge, those days seem to be behind me, but it will be just as hopeful as it was upon your arrival.  I hope you will stay until then.  That’s wonderful, I am so glad you are in no rush.  We can sit and reminisce while we wait.  Let me get a couple of beers and let’s sit back and enjoy these last hours together and cherish the visit we shared.