A Fond Farewell to 2007 and a Warm Welcome to 2008

2008 approached me before I was ready. Those four numbers have always seemed quite far away to me and now they have arrived. I can hardly believe that I will start college in the fall and that I only have 6 months until high school will quickly fade into something from the past. But before I fear 2008, I find it only fitting to reflect on the beauties of 2007.

2007 was a year full of ups and downs, just like every year before it. The ups were friendships that, at one time, seemed impossible. The downs were deaths of two people who meant the world to me. Those two people were my grandpa and a dear old family friend.

Ed Michaelsen was the only grandpa I ever had and he most certainly lived up to that role. He was full of energy for most of his life, and full of love until the very end. He was the best grandfather the world could ever have and I will miss him. Although it is so hard for him to be gone, it is such a comfort to know that he is now somewhere where he can remember things again. He is in a better place and I just know that he must be smiling and full of life, thanks be to God. I love him very much and I will never forget all that he did for me and all of the joy he brought to those around him.

The second death the year brought was that of Scott Becker, a friend of our family, who died entirely too young. It is hard to lose someone earlier than is natural, but it always turns out that there is a purpose for that timing. Scott was a pastor at our church for years and it seemed that he was a huge influence on the whole world. He was a man who never let anything be dull. He brought excitement to everything and I'll never forget him. He gave the perfect Kermit the Frog impression and he sang "The Rainbow Connection" many a time, so now I can never forget him. He was a joy, he truly was.

Thank goodness the year was not entirely made up of heartache, though. I made friendships this year that are perfect. These friendships are what keep me going, and without them, I would never be able to get through the hardships of the year. God put them in my life for a reason and I am so thankful for that every day.

I am not entirely sure of what 2008 has in store for me, but I can guarantee that it will be an adventure. It is a big year and I am excited to see how it turns out. This year will most definitely be a year in which I will simply need to trust in God and believe that he will look out for me. So, good luck, and happy New Year!