I almost reverted to a re-run.  Each of the four prior years we have shared through Reflections, I have written a New Year's message.  Each of them had a somewhat different perspective.  Most would have more inspiration to offer than I can come up with this cold Saturday night for Sunday morning's post.

However, we have been sharing the ups and downs, ins and outs of life for nearly five years.  I have decided to share what I can and allow you to fill in the blanks.  I will provide the events and you can add the reflection that makes it meaningful for you.

Lyle has spent nearly half of his time for more than a year in Wisconsin, helping his parents remain together in their own home for as long as possible. With the holidays in view, I planned several months ago to join them for a long post-New Year's weekend. 

After we made those plans, the family picture changed. Lyle's mom went to assisted living and his dad had back surgery, followed by extended time in a rehab facility. My visit would be less about helping the family out at their home and more about visiting them elsewhere.

Then, the picture continued to change.  On New Year's Eve, a dear member of our extended family passed away unexpectedly.  Less than a day after landing in Wisconsin, I departed for Ohio. For two days, I shared in grieving the loss and sharing the love with family and friends before re-tracing my steps.

These events all took place while the upper Midwest spun in a polar vortex.  When I landed in Wisconsin the second time, temperatures were well below zero and stayed there until we left for the airport to fly home.  They remained below zero during the three additional days we waited in Wisconsin for another flight to Montana.  (A delay caused us to abort the original journey when it became obvious that we would miss the key connection en route home.)

We are now taking down Christmas decorations and wondering where the new year has gone. Lyle leaves again for Wisconsin in less than a week.

There is much to be grateful for, even in this confusing picture.  Safe and healthy travels over the holidays are a gift, even when disrupted.  Family love and commitment are beautiful, even in times of pain.  But it is sometimes hard to translate these helpful thoughts into emotional terms.  Fatigue, irritation, sadness, and their kin are still too close to the surface and will take time to heal.

You, too, have had times like these.  You know that the human spirit is resilient and that there will be a new day.   What helps you take heart and move on?