What 36 has taught me

Last year at this time I took the time to sit down and write a year in review for myself. It was a few days after my 36th birthday and I was in the seemingly endless cycle of traveling back and forth from Texas to Georgia to fulfill both roles of being a mother and daughter at the same time. To say it was a rough time, would be an understatement. Now looking back it seems like a blur. A shadow of sleepless nights and worry that ended with my dad’s passing away on December 15, 2016.
In some ways those days seem a lifetime away, but at other times, it seems so fresh and new. I know anyone else that has experienced grief understands this sentiment. In this first year without him, Richard Bunn has still been a major part of my world. I was able to travel to Wyoming in July to spread some of his ashes and celebrate his life with my stepmom, aunt and cousin. The boys and I also flew to Columbus in October to attend a special memorial for lawyers on the opening day of the Georgia Supreme Court. He is often in my thoughts. Many times, I have wished he could see Sadey as she is now, since I know he often worried about her. Or see Beth as she has continued her sobriety. I’ve also wanted to call him at silly times, such as last night when James Washington won the Biletnikoff Award as part of the ESPN College Football Awards. Dad wasn’t an OSU fan, but he would humor me and watch the game with me to cheer on “that Stamford boy”. And man, would he be having a field day with President Trump. I miss him, but I am also so glad he no longer is sick or in pain.
Much like 35, 36 has continued to be a year of change and growth. I think we all learn at some point that we need to continue to change and grow to be centered. I’ve continued to be amazed by people and their reactions and actions in different situations. I think I can say my biggest lesson from 36 was accepting every person as they are, not as I want them to be. This is one lesson I will gladly embrace.
So here’s to another year in the books…may 37 be better than 36….as it should always be.
P.S….my birthday present to myself was finally finishing out calliemetlersmith.com, which I have set up for a landing page for my future books and writing. In 2018, I have 3 new ones coming!

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