2013 In Review

I must say that 2013 absolutely flew by. As I reflect I realize that I have accomplished a lot in 2013.

Little Loyal Louie

The first thing that happened in 2013 that was a big deal did not happen until February. I got a dog. He is (I think) Brussels Griffon mixed with Pug. He was only 4 months old when he joined the family and now he is 15 months. He is my Little Loyal Louie.
I continue my volunteering with the American Red Cross by being on call for local fires and also for national calls. I have not been called out all year but continue to be prepared when needed.
I have been working on myself a lot this year. I have been going to many doctor appointments to get my mental illness in balance. It has taken a  lot of time and patience but I believe it will all pay off. If I continue my treatment all will be well.
In May I started going to a new church. So far I like it. It is called Mainstreet in Walbridge, Ohio. I started volunteering in the Giving Center for Mainstreet which is a clothing ministry for the community. We sort and hang clothes in a room that allows people to get clothes for free. I really enjoy it and could see myself volunteering there long term. I also started in a new life group through Mainstreet in which I can see being something very good. I did stop going to my Cedar Creek life group that I was in this year which I believe was a healthy decision.

Renee's House of Refuge

Also in May I started Renee's House of Refuge for Homeless and Unwanted Dogs. It has been awesome so far, a lot of work but well worth it. I got my first foster dog on May 21 which was a pregnant Beagle. She ended up having 11 puppies, one died. I raised them until they were nine weeks old and they were all adopted into their new forever homes. Over the year I had approximately 25 dogs come through the Refuge. What a blessing it has been.
I started attending block watch meetings and was elected to be the new block watch leader. That turned out to be short lived due to being busy going to doctor appointments and having dogs. I did not feel that it was something healthy for me to take on.
In August of this year I was able to travel to Indiana to join my New York Red Cross volunteer friends to walk in a Labor Day Parade as a representative for the American Red Cross. It was such a great feeling, what an honor and a privilege. 
I also had the honor of walking in a Walk for Colitis for my daughter. She was diagnosed this year and it has been a challenge for her so I walked to show my love for her.
In 2013 I turned 42 years old. I got to go out to lunch and dinner with family and friends to celebrate. It was a great day. It is hard for me to believe I am in my forties but It is a great age to be. I just have to thank God for giving me this time.

Marathon Key

November 19-26 I was sent to Florida by my dad to pick up his new vehicle. I flew into Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I drove past Miami, Fla. into the Florida Keys and Key West. I visited my cousins Tom and Diane then up the Gulf Coast to Anna Maria Island, Florida. I then traveled on to visit my old friend Ken and his daughter Sadie. After that I returned home. What a blessing to have this opportunity. Thank you dad, I love you.

Cervical Fusion and Dissection

On December second I had a cervical fusion and dissection surgery with doner bone and a titanium plate put into my neck. It was a major surgery. I was scared to death but I am healing well. My injury stemmed from a violent relationship and now that my surgery has made my neck feel better I can now put those memories behind me.
Overall 2013 has been a busy year, I suppose that is why it flew by. I pray now that 2014 slows down and is as successful as 2013 has been.
     Happy New Year and God Bless. ~Renee