This last year

This last year has been a time of much pain and much joy.  In June my father, one of my dearest friends died. The last time he was out visiting me before he passed he and I did our usual drive around together ( we would drive around doing all my errands and talking).  We like to do this.  It gave us time alone.   I remember he turned to me and said, "You and I, we understand each other don't we Sammy.  We've always understood each other." "Yes," I said, in my usual eloquent manner...I don't know why this sticks in my mind, but I think It describes me and my Dad, we understood each other, and that was good.
In January, we lost my Uncle, Uncle Dick.  He was my mom's only sibling and the only uncle we really had.  I think our family (my Mom's) is still in shock, losing the two patriarch's of our family so suddenly and so close together.  I remember wrestling with my Uncle and cousin S as a teenager, I remember him cheering loudly for me at the state finals for volleyball, I remember him threatening us with his belt when we slept over and wouldn't be quiet.
The beginning of the year found my son in a treatment center for behavoiral issues associated with his asperger's and other things.  This was extremely painful but necessary to us as parents.  We hoped and prayed that he could make changes in his life, and he did.  The greatest joy of this year is seeing my son.  Seeing the person he is trying to be.  Watching him interact with adults and peers.  Seeing him suceed in school, at home, at church and socially.  I can't explain how grateful I am to my Heavenly Father for the miracle I have seen take place in him.  The last time he spoke to his Grandpa he said, "Grandpa, I will make you proud.  I will."
Sometimes life can wear you down, but always there is love to bring you up if you allow it.  This year I lost one of the most important persons in my life, but because of love, the love of God, the love of teachers, the love of his family, my son has been found.