I had the honor of giving the eulogy at her funeral. I hate
when a person that never knew the deceased, gets up and speaks. I loved my
granny and she was unlike anyone else I’ve ever known and I wanted everyone to
have a glimpse of that. But anyway…I preached (mostly to myself) that we should
all live a life that was worthy of the love she gave. So in 2014 that is what I
set out to do. It’s December 16 and I’ve bought two presents and I’m just now
writing my Christmas card letter. So, I obviously didn’t beat procrastination.
I also still spend way too much time on Facebook. Dumb. Enough about how I
failed; here’s what I accomplished that was cool:
1) I auditioned for a play. Steel Magnolias. I got a callback. I didn’t get the part, but that
wasn’t the point, well, I mean it was, but I’m ok with rejection. I put myself
out there and it did not kill me.
2) I went back to the classroom. I have an amazing bunch of
third graders that I adore. They challenge me. Daily. I show up because they
are so spectacular! Everything else about being a teacher is hard and
ridiculous, but those gems are the reason I won’t quit at Christmas. My theme
this year (based on Isaiah 43:19) is “try new things.” I’m kinda done with
that theme! It’s an exhausting theme.
3) I walked 39 unbelievable miles in NYC in the AVON Walk
for Breast Cancer! Some amazing folks sponsored me with real fundraising
dollars, like $1800+! It was a proud moment, a defining moment for me. It
changed my life. Crazily, they have alumni walkers that do this year after
year. I’m like, “Nope. Checking that one off the list and moving on. Thank you!
My feet hate me.” Don’t tell anyone, but I would walk it again with my momma,
who’s also a survivor. I’ve walked like 3 miles since then.
So that pretty much sums up my year. I can barely remember
what I did yesterday, so those are the memorable highlights.
HUGE thanks to my family for letting me hog this year’s
letter and for cheering me on as I pursued dreams I’d put aside for far too
long. I easily could’ve let this loss sink me, but I have such a peace knowing
my granny gets to be in heaven with Jesus! Don’t think I don’t remember her daily or unexpectedly bawl when I’m
stirring a pot of something delicious in the kitchen, or smell muscle rub, or hear “Ave
Maria”, but I’m determined to make the most of my brief time here pursuing
things that are worthwhile and joyful and matter.
Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year to you!
Hug the ones you love
tighter.
Stace Hunt
