2019 in Review: A Year of Appreciation

The year 2019 is behind us....along with the end of a decade.  What can we say about the year or even the decade?  There were many challenges over the year, but with challenges come opportunity.  More importantly, challenges often bring appreciation, which is really what 2019 was all about.

The driving force behind appreciation in 2019 was Christina.  Her untimely death in January to cancer and courageous final months inspired so much in her family and many friends.  She taught us to appreciate the beauty of life - whether a flower garden, a walk in the woods, a trip to the beach or a concert.  She taught us the power of love and friendship as her entire community rallied around her and her family.  Most importantly, she showed us the positive impact one person can have - something that became apparent in the tributes from her many friends and acquaintances whose lives she touched over the years.  After watching what she endured, how could you not be inspired to appreciate what you have?

So what did the Virginia Fagellas appreciate in 2019? 

•   Visits with family -  whether it was a Memorial Day barbecue in New York or a visit to Ohio.  Theresa was able to coordinate work trips with visits to her brother, who was nice enough to provide a place to stay (Theresa often paid him back with ice cream). 
• Birthdays - Anna officially became a teenager.  Joe started a new decade (one that in some states will allow him to get discounts)
• The beach - We got to explore some familiar beaches (Mexico for Joe's birthday), some new beaches (San Diego) and a place we haven't gone for several years (Acadia in Maine).
• Hiking - Well, Joe and Theresa appreciated this.  Anna...not so much (her parents are quite certain she will look back on it fondly....and will make her own children hike).  The hiking highlight definitely was in Acadia to the top of a mountain with Joe's cousins (note - they were older than us, but kicked our butts).
• Storm - Every day he is excited to see us, excited to go for a walk and excited for any meal.  What is not to love?  Well, maybe it is a bit challenging when he has allergies and pulls his hair out, leaving him with bald spots....but we've learned to work through it.
• Fresh Vegetables - We got our first plot in the community garden.  All of Joe's work paid off with lots of fresh tomatoes, green beans, and sweet potatoes.
• A pay check - Theresa gained an appreciation for this during the 35 day government shutdown in which she was one of thousands of Federal workers who came to work without getting paid.  
• Cell phones - Anna at last got her own phone.  This opened up a new world of communication for both Anna and her parents.

As we close out the decade, we have much to look forward in the coming years.  Anna will be finishing up 8th grade and moving on to high school.  There are more visits to family to make and new places to explore on vacation.  Adventure awaits.  We will appreciate it.