2009 has been a very rough year for me. I've lost more good things in my life this year then I have any other. And so as 2009 finally comes to an end, I'm finding myself to emotionally warn and beaten to want anything of any physical value. Back in the spring, when Susan was battling pancreatic cancer, one of the lessons I learned from her is that gifts don't always have to be in the physical sense. Sometimes words alone can be an amazing gift.

So with that all said, I want you all to know that the only gift I want this year is for all of you, those struggling and otherwise, to be filled with a sense of peace and love as 2009 draws to a close and 2010 opens itself up to the next stage in life, and all the frightening, joyous, sad, embarrassing, amazing, crazy, and beautiful moments to come.