[Kenna]

Thinking about.....wondering....possibly planning what I might do for my New Year's celebration.

Remembering my most favorite New Year makes me smile. The way it started out was kind of tough and disappointing, but the way it ended was very beautiful and unexpected and a once in a life time kind of thing.

Had it not been for the bad way it started, it wouldn't have ended in a good way. I guess things do happen for a reason? Most often, anyway.

I had moved in with my BEST Buddy, Dale, because I had lost my job after 9/11. To this day, I am very thankful for Dale and the time we spent as best friends. Dale had promised me that he would host my very first New Year's Party - in a place where he had made me feel like it was MY home too, even if temporary - and a big birthday party. I didn't want him to go to the trouble.... but thought it was a nice break after a stressful job search to celebrate a New Year filled with new possibilities and promises.

While we were at the party, his ex-girlfriend called and said she was on her way over.... he, three sheets to the wind, came to me and asked me to leave because he "was afraid I would clean her clock". I didn't have a problem with her or any of his girlfriends. But he knew I was fiercely protective of him and I considered him family. (He knew me better than that.... he knew I would only give her a BIG right cross if she swung at me first! .... and he knew it wouldn't be a fight...she'd act like a fool and I'd just huff at her and look the other way.)
He asked this about 30 minutes before midnight.... I had bought special champagne, the house was filled with quests eating birthday cake and for the first time in my life, I had been excited about New Years. But when he asked me to leave home because he was afraid his ex would cause a scene, I was heartbroken and quietly got my keys and left, tears in my eyes that I didn't let him see. To keep the peace and because I cared about him, I left. It was his house, after all.

I had no clue where to go.... 30 minutes from New Years and living so far out in the country. Most of the main streets of the nearest town were closed off because of their "First Night" celebration with fireworks.... so I went to the top of a nearby mountain that had an "overlook" (about 15 minutes from the house) and I sat up there with the car running to keep warm. The whole time, fighting back tears. I was just going to wait up there till dawn.

I never thought I would see such a beautiful sight.....

You know, how sometimes you "Wish on a Star"??

Well..... I had STUNNING fireworks to wish on!! It's not every day that you go to see fireworks and you are sitting UP ABOVE the display! My mountain overlook had a bird's eye view of New Year's fireworks from 4 different towns and 1 metro-size city!! It was SO BEAUTIFUL and a very UNIQUE sight!! The nearest town started off first....then 3 more in the distance...then the HUGE BLAST of a finale over the city. I was so far up the mountain, that I couldn't hear the BOOMS.... but the sights and colors were stunning. I felt like a little kid enjoying her cotton candy and first fireworks. That "AWE" feeling.

How many people have ever seen 5 fireworks displays all at the same time? And from the top of a mountain? Quickly, my smile dried up the tears and positive thoughts replaced the heartache and hurt.

After the fireworks were over, I went back HOME with forgiveness in my heart and a beautiful memory of something very unique.

Shortly into the New Year, my wishes did come true....I "accidentally" acquired a job that launched a wonderful career in Health Care and Human Services, I found a LOVELY apartment that had a beautiful view of a small river, waterfall and a 200 year old red Mill and I got to spend real quality time with my son.

Tonight, the memory of those fireworks and the positive things that happened in the New Year made me smile.

This year, I'm not sure what I'll do for New Year's.... I think I might find a mountain overlook and watch some stars? But I'll make sure I take some hot cocoa this time to go with my cotton candy!!