It would be easy for me to trash the whole year based on the very last month. Many people would probably tell me that it would be normal or, at the very least, understandable.
I really could. But I won’t. It’s just not in my nature to do so. That doesn’t mean I can’t look forward to a bright 2015!
So let me re-cap. 2014 was filled with wonderful moments that cannot nor should be dismissed. After all, it did start off on the beaches of Florida!
Valentine’s came around and my love made me a beautiful dinner plus gave me a fabulous camera. You see, he would watch me leave every morning with Zeke, iPhone (and later Samsung) in hand to take pictures for my blog. He wanted me to have the proper equipment so he totally spoiled me unexpectedly!
I took many a walk over the course of the year taking hundreds of pictures (no worries, I won’t bombard you!) – these being but a small sample in the winter.
We went up north to my mom’s and went tubing, walking, discovering…
We went out with friends
I turned the big FIVE-OH and was surprised… not that I wanted to be!!! (OK, maybe a little…)
Our families got together for Mother’s Day, birthdays, family BBQs
First camping trip of the year has been in Bainsville, Ontario for quite a few years… this time with the Provenchers and the Apanians. So much fun that we all did it again in Cape May in July!
Long bike rides, meeting old pals, taking a break, running into family and friend and ending in a face plant… yep ~ was quite the ride…
We climbed Mount Washington and swung from ropes like Tarzan (well not me! Someone has to take the pictures!!!)
We spent two weeks in Cape May, New Jersey with friends and family and ran into old friends!
Friends over (may have exaggerated on both food and booze ~ just sayin’…), more walks, playtime, proud moments…
Visited friends at their cottage on Rice Lake.
Made some fabulous cakes, took wonderful photography classes…
Went up to Mom’s for Thanksgiving…
And finally, (ironically) I uploaded these images the same day Mick went into the hospital with the intention of showing potential clients what I was making for Mick to give to his clients but never posted them…
So I’m thinking… it really was a fabulous year for the MacIsaacs. It just didn’t end like we would have liked… Not even close.
We had to say good-bye to our husband/father/son/brother-in-law/uncle/friend…
And, come December 31st, I did manage to dance and laugh with my sisters and their husbands and some wonderful friends, though I was (we were) all missing Mick.
Let us move on to 2015 with love in our hearts, courage to find new experiences, faith that all will work out and joy in general.
Happy New Year to you all!
I am in awe of you. This is such an uplifting post and tribute to your family and good times. It is so you… always giving and thinking of others. You are and will continue to be a pillar of strength and an inspiration to so many, Dale. You deserve all of the love and possibilities that 2015 can and will bestow on you. And Mick will see to this. 🙂
Thank you, Eric. You know I cannot be anyone else but myself. I’m in awe you are in awe! I’m touched by your words. Thank you again.
I echo Eric’s words and feelings Dale…a year so full of delight and such heartache and your ability to see it in full perspective is awesome.
Thanks Mimijik!
Being relatively new here, cheers to your zest for life! …. and extra loud cheers for trying to make the best of New Years Eve while carrying a heavy heart.
One foot in front of the other, Frank!
Yep … and with the occasional stumble.
Of cours; it is not living without the occasional stumble!
Thank you Dale; what a nice tribute and such inspirational words. Yes, “let us move on to 2015 with love in our hearts, courage to find new experiences, faith that all will work out and joy in general”! Wishing you lots of love, A.
Thanks, Annarette! Xo
Lovely D.
Eric, Mimi and Frank said it for me and perhaps many others. Seize the moments hour by hour, day by day. However those moments come…seize them with open arms, dancing with smiles or tears. Consider us a small piece of extended family…an army of support and strength…and smiles when you need them. P.S. When we are all dancing…do you always have to lead? *snort* xxoo Raye
Thanks my friend. Of course I always have to lead! I’m an Aries!!
Thankful my extended family will dance with me, support me and keep me moving forward…
Dale, you’ve said it all – a year full of wonderful moments that certainly shouldn’t be dismissed, though it ended in the worst way. I hope, no, I’m sure that your optimism and positivity means that you can create more great moments this year.
Thanks Andrea. They can’t be otherwise I negate all the good. There will be. I’ve got my boys (as much as teenagers hang around…) and my sisters and friends. Everyone will work together, to bring in the positivity – let by me!
Haven’t “known” you long but I have learned a lot.Thank you.
Thank you for getting to know me!
You’ve been mightily busy with that camera of yours, Dale, taking some fabulous family pictures. Wishing you a wonderful 2015!
Thanks Sarah, I will! And I wish you a wonderful 2015 also!
My goodness, Dale, that was a year well-lived, and you’re a shining example for all of us to look at the Big Picture. You have an almost super-human capacity for keeping a positive perspective! Wishing you a wonderful 2015 filled with more months like your first 11 of 2014! xoxo Joy
Thanks Joy! I wish for you and your family a most wonderful 2015!
What a great year you were able to experience before Mick left this world. My heart aches for your loss. Love, courage, and faith … all excellent words to put into action!
Indeed Jayleen… that’s why I felt compelled to write it. Thanks very much for your kind words.
Dale — It did look like you had a wonderful year full of fun with family and friends. I enjoyed the photos. My heartfelt prayers are with you as you face a New Year different without your beloved. May you go forth with the love and comfort from your family and friends.
We did indeed, Pat. We will forge new paths and see what adventures lie ahead…
Dale, a lovely post and one which shows the importance of embracing every day and leaving no room for regrets.
May 2015 bring precious moments that you will treasure always. Jx
Thanks, Jean. That’s exactly what I wanted to say!
So glad, jx
Such a beautiful and positive tribute to a year and all that it held. You’re doing well, Dale. You’re showing tremendous honour to the sadness of the moment without losing sight of the blessings your heart holds. 🙂
Thanks, Dale. I am doing OK… Love the new profile pic! 😉
There are a couple of people in my life whom I think of when I feel down. People who achieve what I aim for – seeing the good where others would see only sadness. You most certainly join that very select group. Blessings for 2015 x
Thank you, Gillie! I am honoured to join that group! Xoxo
You’re awesome, Dale. I don’t think I could be so positive so quickly.
I haven’t been online a lot lately (instead, packing to move next week) but you’re in my thoughts every day.
Thanks Christy. I don’t know about being so positive all the time! I just try because it’s just not in me to “woe-is-me” be!
Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and good luck with the move! So exciting (and in my own future once we figure out where we stand…. on of the awful parts of all this)
Dale, if I had a smidgeon of your courage, your humour, your strength and attitude, I would be a better person. I have been catching up with your recent posts and have cried for your loss. The love and positivity that you two so obviously shared shines through your writing. You have it from within and that can never go.
Oh thank you Patsy! Your kind comments mean a lot to me. I do believe you are right… I can never lose that! xo
Dale, only you could write such a fun uplifting post about a year that ended so sadly. I am so glad you are finding the good to keep on keeping on both for yourself and your family. Your spirit is a real testament to the love you had and lost. Welcome back.
Thank you Lois! One must find the good, otherwise, what’s the point? Good to be back.
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