An Open Letter to 2008

Dear 2008,

Let's begin this letter with some honesty. You see, 2008, I see no reason to end this relationship amicably because frankly, I'm glad to see the back side of you. I hope you can take it, 2008, because I'm not about to beat around the bush. You really sucked ass. You took me to places I didn't want to go and stretched my patience with myself and the challenged the very limits of my marriage.

Am I being dramatic, 2008? Let's look at this more closely, shall we? There was the great tomato blight, the non-summer of record rainfall and flooding, the weeks I spent in the hospital. It's true, 2008, this is the year that my 32 year old body failed me. Okay, okay 2008. You're right. I am being a little dramatic. You sent me some light as well as the darkness. I suppose it would be unfair to hold you solely responsible for the darkness. How can one change the things they don't take responsibilty for?

Maybe I have been too hasty, 2008. You taught me that I've only got one chance in this life on Earth, in this skin that I'm in. And I really need to look after her better. All these trips to the hospital, the operation and the gamut of medical tests! There were hours spent in the loo or in shame for not being able to hold it just a minute longer. You've taught me just how precious health is. In the immortal words of the rockband Cinderella from your forefather 1988 'you don't know what you got till it's gone'. 

You have shown me that I need to take her out for walks and bike rides and early morning swims down at the pool and to yoga classes. To choose the fresh veggie stir fry over the sweet and sour pork. To drink more water. To soak in the bath after a long, hard day - and not the bottle of wine.

It's true that there were even some blessings, 2008. I've learned that I can teach. That when I have something to say, people listen. I can motivate teenagers, believe it or not, and 2008, you did give me the opportunity to explore this side of myself. 

You even brought me back home, to stand on my home ground though only for a short time, and reconnected me to the light and comfort of old friends long time gone. You also introduced me to the smallest Magnolia and to Caden and Lydia and not quite yet, but soon we'll meet Isla too. That's up to your buddy, 2009. 

So, do you see much of 2009? If you do can you tell him that this year will be more about self love. That's my mantra for 2009. On my wedding day, I promised to work toward my true potential. 2008, I think I let the darkness linger a little too long. I'm grateful that I found a partner that can tolerate the darker side of me, but neither of us want to live there anymore. 

And with that, 2008, I bid you farewell. 

Sincerely,

The Queen Bee