Goodbye 2012

It's almost midnight on the eve of the new year. I've never been so happy to see a year pass. Though our fire happened in the fall of 2011, 2012 will always be the year I remember as 'the year we were in fire recovery.'

Seriously, 2012 can suck it.

We're so close to the end of this year. We're so close to a clean slate, a fresh year, blah, blah, blah. Alas...two hours before this year could slide on by, my oldest daughter had to say goodbye to a dear friend.

Mr. Joy, Tuna's lions head rabbit, has spent his last holiday season with us. He was incredibly sick a few weeks ago and the vet had little hope for him, but he gave him some antibiotics and fluids and the little guy bounced back and seemed to be doing just fine. Yesterday he seemed fine. This afternoon he seemed fine. Then tonight, gone. Losing a pet is so hard and watching your child endure that hurt is terrible.

What an icky way to end the year. 

Sigh. 

Other than that, we are spending the end of the year exactly the way we wanted. We are at home and we are together. It's snowing outside, but inside it's warm and cozy. The kids are eating chips and dip, drinking punch, arguing over Wii games, and waiting on the stroke of midnight. 

Next year, our son will be living in his own home and likely won't celebrate with us. Our oldest daughter will be in London, preparing to march in the New Year's parade. We will be snuggled up at home with our little ones worried sick over our big ones who aren't with us. So, this year...we're going to savor the moment for all it is worth. 

In a few minutes, I'm going to watch the ball drop. I'm going to watch the clock change to 12:01 and I'm going to welcome in 2013 with a deep, cleansing breath. 

Happy New Year!