December 2019
Dear Family and Friends,
As I get ready to step into this new year, fueled by the gratitude reminder of Thanksgiving, and full of anticipation for holiday festivities yet to come, I am reflecting and readying for the renewal that comes not only with the ending of this year, but with the ending of this decade.
Time is a powerful thing.
I’ve always found value in marking the chapters within it, giving me something tangible to revisit when I am seeking to remember...the good stuff, and the not-so-good stuff.
Ten years ago, at this very time, our family was weeks away from losing my brother, James, to cancer; a few months later we celebrated Austin as he graduated from UW LaCrosse ( and we became official ‘empty nesters’); seven years ago in September, we rejoiced at Molly and Lukas’ big, beautiful wedding in Chicago; five years ago in August, we partied on a pontoon boat in the middle of Presque Isle Lake as Kristin and Michael said, ‘I do’; also five years ago in October, after a long illness, we lost my Step-Mother, Janet; four years ago in July, we welcomed Tasso Thomas Yant into the world and our lives were forever changed as Tom and I became grandparents for the first time; two years ago, we welcomed our second grandson, little Leo James Yant into our family; twenty months ago we cheered when sweet Tommy Boyd Gannon-2, our third grandson, joined the crew; a little over one year ago on Thanksgiving, we cried (tears of joy) when Britt and Chad told us they went to the Dane County Courthouse and secretly became Mr. and Mrs. Peak; and just a couple months ago, we mourned when Phoebe lost her lovely Mom so unexpectedly.
Looking back over the memories of this past decade, I could never have predicted all the blessings that have unfolded for me. And, looking ahead, I have no idea what the next ten years will bring. But, what I have learned is that my job is to just show up. Fully. Completely. With my whole heart.
I wish you all the very best in 2020 and beyond.
Love, Linda
