As is our family tradition, we got up early to watch the 122nd Rose Parade this morning but 7:30am came extra early as the kids somehow talked us into staying up to ring in the new year with the rest of the West Coast. I’m glad we did because although Rudy was fast asleep when we celebrated at 9pm with all the easterners, he was wide awake at midnight…quite possibly awakened by the Wii Sing It competition going on as we waited for the ball to drop a second time. 🙂
And so, here we are at the start of another new year. It struck me last night that I don’t have any new year resolutions…’haven’t even thought about what I could be doing better or differently. I suppose it would be a good exercise to give some thought to but, to be honest, I kind of feel like I’ll be doing good just to keep getting out of bed each morning in 2011. “Baby steps” seem to remain our M.O. as the disappointments in Rudy’s journey this fall remain very heavy on our hearts. The holidays were a wierd mix of joy and anxiety for me personally…so, I rally this morning, renew my prayers for grace & peace for all of us and strength & growth for Rudy in 2011 and commit to continue to live & love one day at a time and, right now, that feels like enough.
Rudy's Beat 
Trish,
You are absolutely right about not setting new goals/resolutions! You are an inspiration to many women and moms when it comes to “baby steps”! The baby steps you’re taking are in shoes adorned with pink satin ballet slippers, such is the grace with which you step. I love that you’re my friend!
Happy New Year Everybody! This is the first year I’ve tried to come up with New Years Resolutions. lol.
I agree with Teresa. You (and the entire family) are an inspiration for the rest of us to follow. Your resolution is constant in those baby steps you take with our buddy, Rudy; how you manage to keep the family so stable and grounded and give Rudy absoultely the best life he can have. We should all have such resolution facing even the small or large problems we all have. I am sorry Rudy has such problems but I am not sorry HE brought you to UCLA with Rudy’s issues and now I call you my friend, as well. Much love and blessing for a special 2011!
One step at a time, precious family,
Yes, you are an inspiration to all of us.
Blessings and Gods grace for the steps ahead.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! We hope it’s filled with every blessing imaginable!! Love , Jane and Joe
May Rudy and your family be showered with good health, happiness and peace in 2011.
God Bless you all
Bless you Trish~ I agree with all the above. You are such an inspiration. Happy New Year to you and all the family as you seek His grace and peace in 2011.
So, dear Trish – are you about up to here with being an inspiration?? (And I agree – you all surely are). But …. I feel fairly confident you would trade every second of ‘inspirational living testimony’ for one solid piece of great news about Rudy’s future. Maybe that piece will come in 2011 – maybe it won’t. I just know that if you commit yourself to one-day-at-a-time, baby steps and all – you will meet whatever comes with grace and courage. Oh my, this is so very hard. We all love you, each and every one of you. And we commit to continue to pray for you, to hold you in hope before the Master of the Universe, trusting that you will continue to be held, no matter what. As always, thanks for your authenticity, your unflinching commitment to tell it like it is, even when it’s hard and dark.
Reading Genesis 3 earlier today, I was forcefully reminded that pain and death are intrinsic to the human condition. But thanks be to God, the new Adam has paved the way to light and life for all of us. Much love as you continue to walk the peculiar and particular painful journey that is yours to walk. You all cast very tall, brave shadows that help the rest of us take courage as we walk our own way. And all of us follow the shadow of a struggling man-of-sorrows as he carried the cross up that hill. Thankfully, there is another shadow that speaks to us of life eternal and bodies that are free from pain and death – the shadow cast by our resurrected Lord as he encouraged his disciples with that powerful word: “Peace.” Cling to that peace with all your might!!
You are all in my thoughts nearly constantly. The so difficult path you must follow is not one we anticipated or desired. Our Great Physician holds all of us in His hands and none of us know what tomorrow will bring–only that ALL will work together for good. Peace and grace, dear ones.
I notice that Rudy had a ’bout of RSA at the midnite New Year’s celebration…it’s nice to know that in the midst of the ups and downs of life on the Rudy-coaster there are some grin-inducing constants!
Happy New Year Geylings!!!! May it be filled with unexpected joys and inexplicable peace. Love you much!!
Nothing gives more JOY than to see Rudy come into a New Year. Way to go RUDY!!! Praying God will make miraculous things happen this 2011 for Rudy.
My love and wishes your 2011 would manifest God’s truest sense of the word and work of “miracle” and keep you all in His loving wings as we pray that continued prayer for you and family, and of course, …Rudaaayyyyyy!