Happy New Year

Don't know about you guys but I am delighted to see 2009 in the rearview mirror.  It was a pretty crappy year for us, primarily because of losing someone we loved dearly, John's mom.  We also lost our adorable 11 year old "puppy", Champ.  He was a great dog even though having him was a lot like owning a perpetual toddler.  His enthusiasm was part of what made him so fun, though. 

In addition to losing family members, the physician community at Martha Jefferson Hospital lost two great docs this year to accidents.  The first, Jim Knight, was my doctor when I first graduated from UVA.  A well respected and beloved internist, he fell from a ladder while trimming branches at his church, First Presbyterian, and died back in June.  Just last month one of the private practice surgeons, Latham Murray, died in a tragic accidental drowning over Thanksgiving weekend.  It was a shock to everyone.  He was one of 8 sons of parents who are still living at 92 years old.  They're a well established local family who give generously of themselves and of their resources to the community and to the University.  The brothers hand made a coffin for Latham.  He was a father of five, loving husband, and a repected surgeon.  He has been sorely missed.

We have had many good things happen this year as well...it's just that they're a little overshadowed by the intensity of the deaths we've experienced. 

I found gainful employment again and at a place I really enjoy working.  Although it's only part time it's still interesting and provides me with challenges.  Christine has returned home and is working at a local vet, getting more experience under her belt as she ponders her next career move.  John's schedule is busier.  Although he lost his long-standing Office Manager he was able to replace her relatively quickly and with someone who is a real go-getter, so we have hopes that she will be able to learn quickly.  I am also working part time at his office doing some medical billing, fighting the good fight with insurance companies, and making bank deposits. 

We miss those who are gone for good, but we focus on those who are here and who are near and dear to our hearts.  We have hopes that our economy will continue to improve (in the hopes that we MIGHT be able to retire one day).  We give thanks for being in relatively good health for a couple of half-centenarians-plus.  We wish good judgment on our elected officials that they might make wise decisions to move this country  forward and to strengthen it.  We wish all of our family and friends a happy and healthy 2010 and look forward to our next decade of adventures.