Three years ago almost to the day, I rang in the new year (2010 at the time) by myself in an exhausted state of grief and depression. We were waving goodbye to the year – the only year – that our daughter, our first child, existed.
The new year is not always joyous, festive, and celebrated over cocktails and fireworks.
Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it feels like a punch in the throat because of what you feel you are leaving behind. And at the same time you are anxious to live out this new year, hoping it might bring better things, happiness and restoration.
This year, three years later, time has helped heal so much. But that dark place of grief, it changes you. It transforms you, and you never are the same. You are better for life’s heartaches. You survive them, and learn from them.
And you come out on the other end one day appreciating this gift of life like you never dreamed possible.
Just a few days ago (December 29, 2012) we welcomed our preemie daughter, our second daughter, into this world. We had hoped she might make it into January, but with my history of premature labor and a few other things we were lucky to get as far as we did into the pregnancy. After a week and a half in the NICU, we were able to bring her home.
This new year I reflected. I remembered. And while we are celebrating and more thankful than words even begin to express – I will never forget. My heart is with those who feel like they are leaving something behind. My hope is that you might have the courage to embrace this wonderful new year, and welcome peace, hope and even some healing.
Welcoming this new beginning into your life doesn’t mean leaving anything behind, it means you are ready to give something back to yourself.
Life.
Beautiful, unmistakeable, intentional living.
About Franchesca
Hi there, and welcome to Smitten By! I am Kallie and I am on a mission to help women all over the world live happier healthier lives, in every single way! I want to inspire you, uplift you because YOU DESERVE IT! I sincerely hope that you will join our community and have an authentic experience every time you stop by with our amazing contributors and as we share the things that we ourselves are "Smitten by". Come and join us! Find new friends, be inspired, get your business name out there, and perhaps find something new that you are "Smitten by..." along the way. Thanks for visiting! 
Beautifully written Fran. I can only imagine the bittersweet of bringing another little girl into the world.
So beautiful. And so close to home, it had me crying like I haven’t cried in a while. I actually wrote about my difficulty leaving 2012 behind a couple of weeks ago (here, if anyone is interested: http://toomuchawesomeness.typepad.com/too_much_awesomeness/2013/01/goodbye-2012.html). It really hit me, to move into a new year and move towards her birthday. I hope I find that healing soon.