December is winding down and 2024 is coming to a close. Change is on the horizon, just like it lingers in our past. Early January brings a CPS hearing for me. The incident that occurred during breakfast in our daycare toddler room (
this one) will finally see its appeal. I may or may not have attained counsel... (He's a friend of a friend and we haven't communicated extremely well.) If I am completely honest, anything having to do with OCFS or CPS adversely affects my entire body. Just the sight of the return address on an envelope is triggers a stress reaction. I feel better off putting it completely out of mind. Call me avoidant. Avoidance, though not necessarily healthy, has been my go-to response ever since I can remember, especially when I am helpless to change a situation.
My new job is going well. Getting up early will always come with effort, but I generally enjoy the company as well as the environment. It comes with state mandated sick pay, but no paid vacation time. Now that Christmas is behind us, it's time to start beefing up my savings account again so I can pay my income taxes. I spent my savings fixing my brakes and paying my car insurance for the year. I have a home, I am more than well-fed, and I am clean and warmly dressed. All is well.
We spent Christmas Eve here at home with Nathan and his four children, and had a nice Christmas celebration at the home of my eldest daughter on Christmas day. I saw all of my local kids and grandchildren, and took a phone call from my faraway, once Minnesota, now Florida oldest son. The kids got me a banding wheel to do my pottery. I guess I will soon be back to making those awesome coffee mugs. LOL! Hannah surprised me with a heavy bottomed, stuffed Eeyore (and a gift card) and made my Christmas morning complete. It took me back to another Christmas in this house about 50 years ago when another Eeyore came to stay. (He's still here, treasured, and well loved.)
...Martha, I hope that all goes well at your hearing. Have a Healthy and Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tom.
DeleteI appreciate the encouragement.
Your Christmas sounds perfect. It is so good to see and hear our children, near and far. Happy and Healthy New Year to you.
ReplyDeleteYes, Patricia, it was a good one.
DeleteHappy, Healthy New year to you too!
Martha, so nice to see your smile and your brand new stuffed toy! Old ones dearly loved, and new ones with new memories. I'm happy you had a good Christmas with your family. We also had a treasured one as my dearest was able to dedicate our newest great grandson, Nathaniel. Will post a picture soon.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs dear friend, and a prayer that God will meet your EVERY need in 2025.
How wonderful for the entire family that Don could dedicate your newest great grandson! That is a very special Christmas gift. (I'll be looking for the picture!) I am looking forward to 2025 and the new experiences it will bring. My newest grandson is due in March.
DeleteLove to you and many blessings for the new year!
Love this photo of you and your cherished Eeyore. I'm an Eeyore fan too.
ReplyDeletePrayers continuing for your upcoming hearing. Prayer for peace and knowing just what to say. Also that you will get the wise counsel you need.
Glad you are happy with your job. I think its a great fit.
Sue
Eeyore will always hold a special place in my heart. My sisters received Pooh and Tigger the same year my first Eeyore arrived. I'm pretty sure we each still have our treasured, long ago gifts.
DeleteMostly I'm looking forward to having the hearing behind me. I want it over and done with no matter what the outcome. The stress of the past year has been too much. I am so grateful for a different job!