2009 was a year of ups an downs. It was a year in many ways of treading water. Constantly feeling like you're waiting for something to happen, but nothing does. It was a year of goodbyes...goodbye to family -- my uncle who was like a father to me and to my beloved Lilah. Like I said it was a year of ups and downs.

This year I look forward to more. I have learned to take one day at a time. I've learned that you find your true value in helping others not in tearing them down. I've learned that one small step can certainly become a larger step as you reach out to help all of those who are hurting for whatever reason. This will be the year of the puppy. We'll find our new little girl, or she'll find us. There is a pup out there who needs our loving home and two big brothers like Bo and Judah. She'll fit into our family, never replacing Lilah, but just being a new member.

2010 will be better for some reason, deep down, I just know it and I embrace it with open arms.

This photo was from 10 years ago, Maggie, our first rottie who died of cancer and Sammy and Lilah as puppies. Lilah is in the back in the pink collar, Sammy's was red.