I created this post in January 2019, but apparently forgot to publish it.

Here we are at the first moments of 2019.  I am dropping into my blog and spending some time reviewing this past year.  It has been one of the most taxing years of my life.  The main reason of course has to do with the entire political climate in this country.  Trump has had us on a roller coaster the likes of which many of us have never experienced.  I liken it to being in a dysfunctional family headed by an abusive, alcoholic father.  We have spent the year looking for some shred of hope that he would mature and show some leadership and we have been disappointed at every turn.  I have found myself craving some semblance of normalcy for so long and some hope that the powers that be would find a way to put an end to this nightmare.

Our family has also had the worry of fairly major surgeries for both our grandson Cole and my husband Frank.  Cole had a surgery to put rods in his back to straighten his spine.  Because he has been in a wheelchair for so long, he had developed a significant scoliosis.  The lead up to this surgery was stressful for Cole and his parents and also for us as his grandparents.  It was not an easy surgery or recovery, but he came through it better than ever.  He is so tall and straight in his wheelchair now and he has grown up so much this past year.  Thank goodness that is over.

Frank also had a hip replacement this past year.  He tolerated the procedure well and made a record recovery.  We had a little setback initially because of the large amount of bruising at the site.  He landed back in the hospital for a few days, as he took in IV antibiotics.  He is walking better than ever and is so grateful for the cure to his pain and limp.

Other things in our lives have been going very well.  Frank is back working at the hospital where he began his medical practice.  He has come full circle and it has been a very good change for him.  I am seeing him enjoying medicine once again,  and I am so happy for him.

Our grandkids are growing up so quickly.  They are becoming such fun and interesting human beings.  We are so fortunate to have these young people in our lives and we are very proud of each of them.   Ashton is married to Elliot and is living in San Francisco.  She is managing an American Eagle store and Elliot is working on development of a driverless car.  They work hard and have some very exciting travel opportunities.

Cole is 16 now and is growing into a wonderful young man.  He is caring and so loving.  When I need a dose of positive attitude and unconditional love, I spend time with Cole.  He is an expert about air travel and commercial airplanes in general.  When I travel,  he asks the tail number of the plane I am boarding and he tells me the history of that particular airplane.  I find that information very reassuring.  He enjoys face timing me as I board so he can have a look around in the jetway and also in the plane.  He is also very well versed in politics and he and I have some great discussions about the current state of things and possibilities for the future.  Holidays are always more special with Cole around.  He inspires all of us to celebrate with tradition and flair.

Blake is 13, going on 14 very soon.  He is all about soccer now, and he is a very good athlete. Whenever we watch his games we notice he makes or assists in a good proportion of the goals.  He also works hard in school and gets good grades.  One of his joys is travel to Florida and venturing around the theme parks with his family.  He is already a trained soccer referee and he makes extra money doing that in his spare time.

Maya is our ray of sunshine.  She is a giggly 12 year old and will be 13 in the summer.  She is a smart cookie and she is usually on the A honor roll.  Her teachers say she is quiet and polite in school, but whenever she is called on she has the right answers.  She is a hard worker and she always shows up and works hard at anything she commits to.  She is on the synchro ice skating team and they compete in the midwest competitions.  Her participation in that requires many hours of practice and travel.  It can be quite exhausting, but she never complains.  She loves crafts and cooking and anything that sparks her imagination.

Alex is 9 and will be 10 soon.  He is a blond haired, blue eyed bundle of joy.  He has a joy of life that I love to be near whenever I can.  He is constantly creating, drawing, putting together LEGO's, or immersing himself in his latest fascination.  I think one day Alex will be on stage somewhere.  He seems to be gifted with the ability to sing, dance, act and his spontaneity is fun to observe.  He is a caring considerate kid with a heart of gold.

Finally we have Rowan.  He is a handsome young lad all of 5 years of age.  He is reading already, even though he is only in pre-k.  He has a sparkling personality and is witty and observant.  His tastes in things are quite sophisticated for a young child.  He spent most of his time with his mom and dad a in his formative years, and he is very much an old soul in a very young package.  He is a newly minted Disney addict and he loves everything connected to that.

Well this year has been a Grandma brag session but it is what makes me the happiest at this point in life.  Life is so good right now.  I have no heartache - except for the constant ache involved with missing those who have passed and left the rest of us to survive in their absence.

I am hoping upon hope that this next year will bring us more peace of mind when it comes to our seemingly insane President.  I hope he will be removed from office and sent to languish in a memory care facility somewhere paid for by the remainder of his estate, after the Government takes back all he has cheated them out of over the years.  As for the corrupt politicians that have been in power in this country, I wish they will be indicted and punished accordingly.