Jen, I am so glad you started this thread. 2009 held so much grief for me, the horrific murder of my dear friend, leading me to a near nervous breakdown, and to face my own mental health and addiction issues. Then my teenage sons terrifying, nearly deadly, experiment with alcohol and the legal issues he faced afterwards...

I have not taken a moment to reflect on the positive things that 2009 brought:

1. An awesome new career which I would have passed up if this year had gone differently.
2. Brought my family - me, my husband, and our 2 sons - closer together and opened lines of communication I had not realized had not been there before.
3. Learned how to stand up to and set healthy boundaries with my overbearing, over-involved and controlling Mother.
4. Found inner strength, learned how to be honest with myself, and to start living life on life's terms.
5. Formed new friendships with an amazing group of women who I honestly trust and know will always be available to support each other.
6. Gained the sense of self confidence and self worth I had been missing until this point in my life.

This year was life altering in so many ways - for me, for my family, for everyone close to me. We have all struggled with unimaginable pain and loss. Seeing the strength, courage, and will to move on in those I love has opened my eyes and my heart to a new understanding of faith and has taught me to value this life and to cherish each moment with those I love like never before.