Last year at this time

This pic is from last October. The costume my kid wore was some sort of Ninja. All previous years were superheroes, except for the first few years when I got away with Pooh and La-La.

Today my little man informed me today that all I need to buy for his costume this year is a baseball hat with so&so's name on it (I can't remember who but the name sounded familiar). The names of the current baseball and football "stars" all sound familiar to me now. I hear about them every day.

What a difference a year makes.

My son also informed me this week that none of his socks fit him. I gave him a pair of mine. They fit.

Last year at this time, I was working a zillion hours a week for a high-tech firm. This year I'm still pushing papers around a desk, but in my living room with an increasing wardrobe of sweats and slippers.

Last year at this time, I was spending hours on the phone with my dad, always trying to console and help and listen to him lament about the loss of his business (aka his life), and deal with the decision making and paperwork involved in the transition to the new owners. We were planning a vist for the last week of the year & he was excited. He was relieved to have "something to do" during a week when he couldn't go into work. He was actually excited. It was a good week.
I always had much to report to him on my daily struggles and victories.................as a woman, as a mom, as a friend. He called me more and listened more and had more to say...........than ever before. This year, at this time, I'm making the decisions and doing the paperwork involved in the end of his life, and feeling grateful for that job because it helps keep him close to me.

Last year at this time, I was happily single. I enjoyed and appreciated the simplicity. My life was full with friends and family. This year at this time, I'm attempting to navigate a relationship while hanging onto my peaceful world of simplicity.

What a difference a year makes.