2023 IN REVIEW - IT’S BEEN A GOOD YEAR

Though it’s still a few days before Christmas, it seems appropriate to sit down and write a few lines in reflection about 2023- -a year with light as bright as can shine, as well as losses that dim the light with sadness and grief. 

Five events definitely highlight the JOY…..

NASHVILLE IN APRIL

For the first time since Samuel and Cait moved to Nashville, I paid a visit in April at Easter. As I was Waiting for Samuel to pick me up at the airport, I got a call from him. I’ll never forget his voice, for he could hardly breathe. He and Cait had just learned that she was pregnant! Oh, goodness! The joy was uncontainable. Unfortunately, my back was really messed up, making it difficult to sightsee or celebrate. Samuel and I did make it down to Franklin, a sweet little town not far from Nashville, to enjoy an afternoon out.

THE OUTER BANKS IN MAY

The family took a trip to the Outer Banks in May in honor of my 70th birthday. Organized by the kids, our stay in Avon, NC, was a nostalgic return to the beach where we vacationed for years when the kids were young. Samuel and Cait and Alex and Eliza planned the trip, took care of details, and treated me and Myra to a grand time. Though I knew from my visit to Nashville a month earlier, the rest of the family learned of Cait’s pregnancy, adding immeasurable joy to our time there.

 

A WEDDING IN GERMANTOWN, NY

Back in May 2022, Samuel and I went to celebrate a gallery show of Norm Sartorius’s work in Philadelphia. One evening, while we were hanging out with Andrew Sartorius, and his fiancé, Tanya Hamm, they asked us to be in their wedding – me, as the officiant, and Samuel, as Andrew‘s best man. So on July 8, 2023, in sweltering heat, and surrounded by friends from all directions, I married Andrew and Tanya with Samuel standing by Andrew’s side as his best bud. Andrew and Samuel have known each other their entire lives, and his parents, Diane Bosley and Norm  Sartorius are dear, dear friends. For over 40 years, we’ve shared our lives as chosen family. Love radiated between the wedding couple and everyone there. Marrying my “second son” was such an honor. 

(NOTE: Ironically, Tanya and I share the exact same name, Tanya Lee.)

DOMINIC’S WEDDING

Due to circumstances beyond control, Alex’s son, Dominic was not able to attend Eliza and Alex’s wedding in November. To include him in the love and joy of their commitment, they organized a ceremony in October, which we called Dominic’s wedding. Under beautiful trees in October and with a brisk breeze blowing around us, we watched as Alex, Eliza, and Dominic stated their commitment to each other as a family. Dominic was so proud of his maroon suit, and he stole the day as he announced his commitment to his dad and Eliza. All of Alex’s family came down from Michigan, and we had a wonderfully special occasion in honor of their coming together as a family and in celebration of Dominic.

ELIZA & ALEX GET MARRIED - 11/18/2023

This day had been in the planning stage for two years. Not a stone was left uncovered in that process, so, when the day arrived, everyone involved had nothing to do except participate and celebrate. I know I am partial, but this wedding was one of the most beautiful I have ever attended. Eliza was radiantly happy and glowing,  and Alex, stunningly handsome. They are blessed by a large group of wonderful people who serve as their chosen family in Cincinnati, and people from all directions came to Cincinnati to celebrate them. Held in The Monastery Event Center in Cincinnati, an old renovated Benedictine monastery which now serves as an event center, the wedding was love-packed and so special. The Mols and the Wilders get along famously and consider each other family. Samuel served as officiant, Eliza’s friend Kaelyn as attendant, and Ed, Alex’s brother, as best man. Fourteen or so special people from their group of friends represented their “court,” a group committed to travel along with them in their marriage, lending a hand and sharing love and guidance along the way. 

WINTER LOU WILDER ARRIVES!!

12/14/2023 @ 9:46 AM

What can I say except that our little Winter Lou arrived safely and healthily.  She weighed in at a healthy 7 lbs.5 oz and is a 19”long. Every one of us is smitten! This baby will not lack ever lack for love, for she is swaddled in the love of parents, an aunt and uncle, her great-aunt Myra, and Grandma T., as well as the celestial love of her Papa and Petie. 

JOY, GREAT JOY!

Isn’t she adorable?

 After spending time compiling all these joys, it’s hard to think about those things that brought some tears throughout the ears, so I'll leave that for another post. I am so grateful for this year’s blessings for my kids, sister, family, both chosen and blood, that my heart’s running over in rivers of love. 

Thanks for taking the time to read the “ole’ blog!”

END OF YEAR - 2022

I remember as a child how slow the year went by from one Christmas to another. There was always just a tiny tinge of feeling bummed on Christmas morning knowing that the next Christmas was so far away. 

Well, it ain’t that way anymore! Seems like yesterday I was packing up to head to Boone for what turned out to be our Covid Christmas. Everyone remembers those Christmases when the kids were small and someone invariably had a cold or an upset stomach; last year the majority of the Shook Wilders got the “Vid,” but we made up at Farchmas (named by Eliza, I think) with a family gathering in Cincinnati which brought us the joy and togetherness we missed in December. 2021.This year, we’re again planning on a merry-making family time in Boone, strongly committed to making up for the “bust” that was Christmas, 2021)

As with every year, 2022 was chock full of wonderful moments, as well as a few that pulled on the emotional depths of the heart. Some dear friends and family members took flight into the world of spirit, and the farm took on a new look with the deconstruction of the barn. Both Samuel and Eliza had some wonky health issues - nothing serious, but momentarily unsettling, and my sweet MerryBelle now requires that I carry her quite a bit since her back legs don’t support her any more.It’s my honor to support her as she ages, and I can tell I’ve gained strength as the result of our trips outside.

However, many joyful moments of the heart ruled, making 2021 a year of wonder and delight.

1. In May I travelled to Philadelphia for Isabella Tighe’s graduation, followed by a wonderful weekend celebrating Norm Sartorius’s retrospective exhibit at the Center of Art in Wood, also in Philly. Samuel met me there, and we spent meaningful, fun time celebrating with our chosen Bosley-Sartorius family. Over the course of the weekend, Andrew asked Samuel to be the best man at his wedding, and I was asked to marry Andrew and Tanya Lee Hamm in New York in July 2023. So, as we look to celebrate Eliza and Alex in November, we will also be a part of the marriage of my “second” son and his wonderful fiancée beforehand.

2. Later that month, Samuel was asked to by the Punch Drunk Lit Series in Asheville, NC, to read some selected poems he’s been working on. Oh boy, what a wonderful time my sister and I had listening to him present his work! It’s difficult to make a splash in any literary world, but Samuel keeps his pen to the paper and continues to write amazing stuff. I’m so proud of him. 

3. In early June, I took off to visit my lifelong friend, Peg Martin-McGuire in Regina, Saskatoon, Canada. We could write a book or TV show on our adventures and crazy doings. Air Canada knocked one day off my trip with cancelled flights, and I had to go to California to get to central Canada, but once there, we enjoyed a week of day trips, raccoon feedings, and laughter.

4. Two weeks after Canada, I ventured over to Cincinnati to go to a Bonnie Raitt concert with friends that go back to New Orleans days. Mavis Staples opened up for Bonnie and had the crowd ready for an amazing evening of Bonnie doing a tribute to John Prine, as well as a combo of her oldest and latest songs. A most memorable night, for sure.

5. Eliza Wilder may be the most organized bride ever! We went wedding dress shopping, and my heart swelled with emotions as I watched the beautiful woman into which she has become try on dress after dress.  There was not a single dress that didn’t look stunning on her, and she found the one she’ll wear on November 18, 2023. She’s a beautiful woman, inside and out, and I so look forward to her wedding. Samuel will be her officiant, and many friends will support her and Alex in their court. Tears of complete joy fill my eyes as I envision walking her down the aisle.

6. I will be forever grateful for the spouses my children have found. Caitlin Wilder, such a beautiful woman, and I shared time together this year, and the more I get to know her, the more I love her! She’s the perfect match for Samuel and holds her own quite well with her poet husband. 

Alex Mol fits the mold for perfect son-in-law, as well. What a kind, thoughtful, loving man he is! Eliza may be the luckiest girl in the world, for he embodies everything one would want for a daughter’s husband. The two of them make a wonderful couple, and they go into their marriage much wiser and prepared than almost any other pair I’ve witnessed.

7. My Bobbi stays in close contact and bombards us all with her wisdom and love. She’s deeply committed to spiritual growth through the I Am Heart programs and has been instrumental in introducing me to some wonderful meditation experiences. Bobbi’s been in my life for 42 years now - first as a foster daughter and always as a daughter of the heart. My world is deeply enriched and filled with laughter and joy every day by her special spirit.

I look forward to 2023 and what the next year will bring my way.  I imagine quite a bit of knitting, making some paper, doing a little painting. I realize that I don’t have a thing to complain about.  I have what I need materially, I have the love of my family, I am super blessed with a ton of friends around the country and globe, and I’m healthy. No extraordinary wealth, tons of real estate, trips around the world, or 5-star acquaintances can compare to the love I experience, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

From the old farmhouse that has been home for 42 years now, I send my love and a huge hug to all.