Good Riddance 2009

It is almost over, and I could not be happier. But I find that I am saying this almost every year about the same time. I did not like 2008, and this year had some moments just as bad.
First, I really miss men's breakfast, because I miss Joe. When Joe died, I really did not know if the breakfast times would continue. We all enjoyed them, but it was because of Joe. It is tough to not see him every Sunday, and listen to his stories about the Cardinals.
I miss Bob Weidman as well. Watching him continue to walk into church week after week, after getting a terrible diagnosis from the doctor was proof to me of how powerful God is, and how weak we are.
I miss Ted. Seeing Dorothy without him makes me sad for her. But I did enjoy learning more about him after he died. And to listen to his grandkids talk about him made him so much more real to me.
I will miss my friend Kevin's mom, Wilma. She fed me, so she was loved by me. I am keeping Leroy in my prayers, and Kevin's sisters.
I am worried about a friend with lukemia, another with ALS. But I know that God surprises me all the time, and He may have great things in store for both of them next year.
I remember being at the emergency room a lot this year. Richard, Max, Bill, Joe, and a few others kept me on the run to the Pana Hospital. Cody Chaplin and I kept each other company a few times in that tiny waiting room this year.
And I am going to miss Cody. He and his dad have moved away. I have to be honest, Cody got on every nerve with me, but I also saw another side of him. I spent time with him one Saturday, and saw a very polite young man who talked to everyone, and was so nice to anyone he met. He is a big reader. A little too much to handle sometimes, but he is my friend, and I will miss him. Even when I am turning off the fellowship hall lights after he turned them on, he still meant a lot to me.
I am looking forward to 2010. Maybe our finances will get better (both personally and at the church). Maybe more teens will start coming. Maybe people will love more, care more, and grow in Christ more. Maybe I will as well.
My hope is that this year be one of adventure, of growth, of good changes. I dont want much next year, and I dont expect a lot. I hope that is how it ends.