It is hard to believe that 2011 is almost over.  Although, by the time you read this, it will be 2012.

As I look back over the year, it has been filled with joy, frustration, new challenges, old challenges that never seem to go away, and sadness.   And yet, it seems as if people are trying to be kinder and do the right thing.  Maybe that insurance company commercial spoke to more folks than just me.  Whatever the reason, those blank pages of the 2011 calendar filled up and flew by before I realized they were gone.

Like most of you, I’m getting ready for the family Thanksgiving Feast.  The hosting responsibilities have now passed to me.  That first Thanksgiving was nerve racking – okay, maybe not as nerve racking as getting ready for a trial, but a close second – all the relatives and friends coming over, making a turkey for the first time, wanting everything to be perfect – you get the idea.   I really wanted to serve my Mom’s stuffing.  I called her and went over the ingredients, how much of the spices to put in, etc.  Well, it was sort of okay.  I tried it again the following year.  Let’s just say that it didn’t turn out very good at all.  So, last year, rather than try for the nth time and not be successful, I found a new stuffing recipe that not only turned out well, but was a success.  (Sorry Mom.  That stuffing recipe is not one I’ll be passing on to the next generation.)  I guess I just needed to find my own "stuffing voice” for the turkey.

We have lots of different voices in our organization.  Each and everyone of you has a unique gift, voice, talent and insight.  What I find truly remarkable, and am extremely thankful for, is how willing each of you is to share your knowledge with others.  I’ve called a few of you to ask questions about the procedure for guardianship paperwork, a bankruptcy question or if anyone had a form that was tailored for a specific need.  Each time, that paralegal was able to help.  I’ve learned a great deal from all of you.

There are some other folks who have helped me a great deal this year as well.   Glenda Green, our Newsletter Editor, Sonja Behn (she does a great deal to help Glenda), MaryLou DiMaggio, who puts together our Dinner Meetings, Karin Cooney-Turner, who keeps the website going and does the email blasts, Tammy Skonnie, our FAPA Representative.  Then there is the rest of the Board – Tracy Kelly, Vice President, and Ellen Wile, Treasurer.  To these ladies and to all of you who make our organization what it is – thank you for your time, talent and, if you’ll forgive me, unique "stuffing voice”.

As 2012 approaches and those new calendars get ready to be filled with new opportunities, I have one wish for you and your families.  May 2012 be filled with love, joy, happiness and laughter.  May you remember that there are no problems – only new challenges to face and overcome.  Remember to take time to visit with loved ones.

Merry Christmas and a very prosperous 2012.