79 and holding

 It's my 79th New Year. I wanted to watch a few things on television and then go to bed. After a 45-minute phone call with my granddaughter, I was wide awake.

I could write about all the New Years I've experienced, but that would probably be the lamest post. I don't remember any that were worth writing about.

New Year's just doesn't bring up any memories. It could be because it has never been an essential event. There were many I'm sure I spent alone. 

I remember one when my granddaughter was young. My memories are unclear, but I think her Mom was working or going out, and my granddaughter stayed with us. At that time, I had a neighbor who always had illegal fireworks. So he put on his usual show, and my granddaughter and I sat on the front steps and watched. I have limited memories of that night, but I remember it.

I'm sure in my drinking days, I probably did more than share with my granddaughter. Sadly, I don't remember.

At my age, starting a new year is less important. I've seen 79 new beginnings. I've lived through 79 years of life. Some of those years were good, some were happy, and some were full of pain. 

I think I learned something each of those years, but I don't think I put what I learned into practice every year. 

The one thing I've learned this year is how important my faith has been. If my faith had not been strong, I would never have lived to see 79 years. If God's plan is for me to live more years, I'll be grateful and thankful.