Thoughts on 2010 and Wishes for 2011

Sitting here on New Year's Eve I think about 2010 and what 2011 has in store. The highlight of the year for me came on Sunday, August 15, 2010 when LA and I met Nastya for the first time. I will remember the day for the rest of my life... It was about 100 bagillion degrees outside. LA took me kicking and screaming to a park in Cary for an event that "some friend of hers" was organizing for some orphans. What little did I know when we pulled out of the driveway that day was that day would change my life. We informally met Nastya as she played hide and seek around me, as LA and I tried to get some information from Amanda about the whole international adoption process. We were introducted to Dimitry, Nastya's host family Dad. In the matter of an hour, we made arrangements to spend some time with Nastya at Dimitry and Holly's home on Monday. And the rest is history... That "some friend of hers" is now part of the most special people in our lives. Bryan invited LA to the event that would change LA, mine, and Nastya's lives forever. Bryan's then girlfriend and now fiancee Amanda has become an intricate part of our lives as well. And Eleni, the saint that organized the entire summer camp experience for the kids. 3 miracle workers that day that changed our lives forever. How can you say thank you for something like that? That same week, I experienced one of the saddest moments I have ever felt as an adult. On Thursday, August 19, we met all the kids at the airport and had to put Nastya on a plane and send her back to her orphanage in Ukraine. I was in tears. Nastya was in tears. LA was in tears. Holly and Dimitry were in tears. There wasn't a dry eye in the bunch. My biggest fear that day was whether I would ever see her again and that she knew how much I loved her. My second biggest fear was what she was going back to. I left the airport that day with a sad heart and a new mission in life. To Bring Nastya Home to us forever! I went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows in those 5 days. But I soon found out how much love is out there in the world. LA started a journey that August 19, 2010 to Bring Nastya Home. With much support of family, friends, and complete strangers, in Spring 2011, we are hoping to have Nastya with us as part of our forever family. 2010 was a sad year on the family front. My Mom had major back surgery in early 2010. Then my Dad fell ill shortly thereafter. Dad is fighting an uphill battle every day. Mom is there with him as his rock every minute of every day. But hopefully with prayer, love, medicine, and all the support, both Mom and Dad will have a better 2011 than a 2010. We end 2010 on 2 other sad notes. Yesterday, we lost Fred, a long time and dear family friend. He has been called to heaven way to early. I can only hope that he has some fishing poles up there with him and all the lures he could ever dream of. We also said a temporary goodbye to our best friends in the whole wide world today. Angie, Jim, Lil E and Lil A are moving today. It is a joyous time for them and their family. But it is with sad hearts that we say goodbye. Jim is a great friend. Angie is LA.'s best friend. Lil E and Lil A have been the kids LA and I never had. Jacksonville isn't too far away, but moving away none the less is sad. They will always be part of the Puskar family. So, what does 2011 have in store for me? I have learned over this past year that only one person knows what is in store. God. Sometimes I question why he has to let bad things happen to good people. Sometimes I question why good people have to suffer. But my faith has grown so much in 2010, that I can only pray and hope that God has a good 2011 in store for us. My personal wishes for 2011 are this...and hopefully God will agree... First and foremost, I hope that Dad gets better. He is my best friend. Second, I hope that LA and I are blessed with safe travels to Ukraine this spring to complete the adoption process with Nastya. And pray that the rest of the process will go smoothly for us. I also hope that the other families that are adopting kids through this same process have a smooth and safe journey. Third, I hope that in 2012 there is only about half of me left. As many of you know, I have struggled with my weight since I was a kid. My goal for me this year is to take care of myself and finally beat the battle. As I embark on 2011, I will be most thankful for the blessings of 2010, but look forward to 2011 with an open heart, an open mind, and an open ended story. Let's get Dad better. Let's get Nastya here. And let's make 2011 a year to remember. Be safe as you celebrate the New Year's coming tonight and may 2011 bring you all you deserve.