Riches

Well, it's a big day - the last one of 2013. It has been quite a year for the Pattillo family. At times it has felt like we've been dealt a bad hand, and then again we've enjoyed times of great happiness. My mom faced two major surgeries and leaving a job she loved. Friends and family members have encountered problems and personal trials. Our home was burglarized. It's been tough. As I think about these hardships that, of course, constitute a normal life, I think of Tim's bold proclamation on the day our house was broken into. "We still have so much, " he said. His voice cracking. Our laptop was stolen. The old computer wasn't worth much money, but all our videos and photos were saved there. I was devastated that afternoon. After a couple of hours to calm down, I checked online to see what pictures I'd saved on photo websites, and there I found most of our pictures. Tim looked over my shoulder and said, "We still have so much." It seems so appropriate for this year. We really have been blessed in countless ways throughout 2013, both big (Mom's successful surgeries) and small (found pictures). In that spirit, I've compiled a list of 13 good memories I have of lucky/unlucky 2013.

1. Benjamin started school this year. It has been a smooth transition, and we are so happy and proud of our curious, sweet boy who is learning so much.
2. My mom's joy as she took a very bumpy and fast boat ride this summer is another favorite memory. I really wish I had a picture, but I was holding on for dear life. Mom was smiling and whooping and hollering and looking like the definition of a happy person.
3. Remembering Dad's very enthusiastic poetry reading to Benjamin makes me smile. Benjamin got a new poetry book (Poem Run) for his birthday and asked Poppy to read with him. I think Dad could do some volunteer story time at the library because he's got skills!
4. I had so much fun celebrating at my good friend Lydia's wedding. It was a wonderful party for a very special occasion. Seeing Lydia and her parents so happy and spending time with so many friends was a highlight.
5. I love the special time I get to spend each spring with college friends. We hang out, catch up, and take it easy. Thanks to this time, our friendships continue to grow and change with time.
6. Val was a head basketball coach for the first time and we were able to be there for one of her team's biggest wins of the season. The whole family was really enthused and into the game - lots of nail biting, yelling, and even some dancing. And of course everyone loves a happy ending - a big win.
7. Tim helped with coaching duties this year as Benjamin made his sports debut. I loved watching Benjamin, but I also loved Tim's enthusiasm for the game. Tim never hesitates to jump in and help out which I really admire about him.
8. It's a little strange but discovering Twitter is an important part of my year. My friend Jincy encouraged me to join this summer and I've learned so much already. Being the only librarian in my building can be a bit lonely so it's nice to hear about all the wonderful things that librarians are doing all over the world.
9. Watching my mom recover from her surgeries has been a blessing. I know she was scared, but she handled herself with grace and showed bravery. In addition to my mom's response, I love how my family pulled together to support her and encourage her. I'm so happy that both surgeries were successful.
10. Benjamin became a fluent reader this year and Tim and I have loved watching him grow and learn as he makes his way through books and more books.
11. Baseball, baseball, baseball! We watched almost every Rangers game of the season!
12. Benjamin started t-ball this year and his first season was lots of fun. A big moment for him was the game he was awarded the game ball. We had so much fun watching him play and he had lots of fun performing for all his fans.
13. In July I got to spend one night with my two favorite people in a tipi in the middle of nowhere west Texas. It was the last night of a fun road trip and we just had a perfect evening during our tipi stay. It was a peaceful, fun, happy night.

So, 2013 was a year like every other with challenges and victories and fun and sorrow all jumbled up together. My wish is to appreciate the many blessings as we move into 2014. Blessings to all. Happy New Year!

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