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.
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