When almost everyone who knows you says "Wow! You've had a horrible year" and many of those whom you don't know instinctively cross to the other side of the street when they see you coming... it's been a rough stretch.
But I have to wonder if I get the grief and frustration to balance the magnitude of the rest.
I am so very thankful for (in no particular order):
* My daughter Jennine, who at 20 has taught me more than I could ever teach her about love, patience and how little biology has to do with family.
* Lilacs.
* Nick, who treats our daughter and our family with kind of love and respect that can only come from growing up surrounded by it his entire life. (For that I appreciate Pam and Ed).
* Almost any movie with John Cussack.
* My "other brother" Bernie, his wife Karen and son Eddie who never get discouraged with me, believe without exception and are always ready to back up their words with action.
* Sponge candy.
* My baby brother Jim who shakes his head all the time about how two siblings could possibly be so different, but loves me anyway.
* The feeling of opening a brand new book.
* My nieces, Lauren and Kaitlyn, who always forgive the time and distance we're apart.
* Springsteen live (ditto Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Robert Earl Keen)
* My sister-in-law Karen, who I considered the glue who holds everything together, but am only now discovering is an amazing woman in her own right.
* Brancott Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
* Aunt Judy, who always has a cup of tea, a plate of shrimp salad, a bowl of soup, and / or a crystal clear perspective.
* Satellite radio -- XM and Sirius
* Solving all life's problems in just one afternoon on the beach with Cheryl.
* The cottage
* My muse and mentor Steven who redefines strange and wonderful every year, but only in the best ways.
* Guiding a fountain pen across the page.
* Carol the truthteller who never lets anything as minor as the Atlantic Ocean come between us.
* John Eddie headlining in a packed club of the faithful.
* Rog, who can disagree with me on dozens of key issues, but always be there when it counts.
* "First Call" on a sunny day at any thoroughbred meet.
* Renee and Harry, who let me turn their worlds inside out twice this year and would do it again tomorrow.
* Gingersnaps dunked in Red Zinger.
* Eight years of unconditional Smokie love.
* Squirtguns and bad cats.
* Rediscovering Chris with the bonus of Kim
* Caramel sundaes at Antoinettes with real whipped cream.
* Swapping music and adventures with Bobby.
* Coney Island
* The incredible personal generosity of Andy and Lori.
* Emails from people you never expected to hear from again
* Finally meeting Matthew
* A literary agent who tells the truth and hangs in there.
And of course, Charlie for more reasons than could ever be shared or known.
I guess I can't really call it a bad year after all.
Who could possibly be richer?











Copyright 2004 Judi Griggs