Goodbye 22 – Hello 23

[This was read for me at my 70^th birthday party on Sunday, December 18, 2022]

Goodbye 2022 – Hello 2023

 It’s hard to believe that I’ve been around for 70 years! I am not 28 anymore. 2022 was not the best year. My spine compression resulted in the loss of more functions: speaking almost incomprehensibly is frustrating. Finding attendants has become evermore laborious, and my inability to get Abilicorp – Personal Assistant Services(ABPAS) started adds to the frustration. My 98-year-old Mom, who cannot understand anything I say,  is in hospice. Unable to get together with John every Saturday morning as we have done for the last 29 years has greatly saddened me. Witnessing the war in Ukraine, the bipartisanship in our government, the polarization of so many people, the horrific effects caused by climate change, and the increased Covid related isolation makes me question how much progress we have made during my lifetime.

Many great things happened in 2022. Seeing David win the top award in an international pizza contest, having Ched and Elaine visit twice, getting together with friends, and going to Carmel were a few of the memorable events. Attending Saturday morning Torah study via Zoom allowed me time to appreciate the relevance of interpreting biblical stories into today’s culture. Watching mindless TV shows with Denise, going to museums, rolling in parks, and driving on car rides were more enjoyable than ever.

I learned how inadequate I am at expressing my feelings. I always appreciated the work attendants provided. This year I became keenly aware of the kindness, understanding, and love Luciana and Fae give me. This year, I realized that I rarely tell David how happy and proud I am of him, who he is, and who he continues to become. Most importantly, after almost 40 years of marriage, I finally began to understand how woefully unable to tell Denise how much respect, appreciation, and love I have for her. I will do better.

As usual, I have very high expectations for 2023. First and foremost, I hope my family and friends have a happy, healthy, fun-filled year. Denise’s book will get published, and she will get all the accolades she deserves. I must quickly find someone eager and able to take over ABPAS and run with it. Recruiting attendants and properly respecting their vital services must be a priority for the disabled community. I hope to have the guts to let ABPAS go so I can write my story. Most importantly, I want to spend time with friends and enjoy the world’s wonders and beauty.  

Politically my greatest hope is that we begin rewarding people for their ability to compromise and find win-win solutions instead of fueling polarization. We must get excited about the possibilities that can happen by ending global warming, homelessness, hunger, wars, and violence. Recognizing that we are creating tomorrow should be a positive, motivating force. Wallowing in dismay only results in more despair.

I have lived an unbelieve wonderful blessed 70 years. The people I’ve known, the beauty I’ve seen, and the experiences I’ve had are treasures I would never exchange. The gratitude I have for all of you is impossible to express. Let’s do this again next year. 

Ho! Ho! Ho! And Go-Go-Go!