End of Year 2014

Merry Christmas to Friends and Family Near and Far!

Here is our year in review letter. Our family witnessed many ups and downs like any other family. Sometimes we wondered how we could keep pressing forward, but forward we have come. Perhaps your family is like mine, when times are tough we are more likely to pour into God's word and desire a stronger relationship with God. 2014 proved to be difficult in more ways than one.

I am not going to lie, the financial stress of the last year or so has taken its toll on our family. My husband's health continues to deteriorate. He is no longer able to sustain a job. He can barely drive his car more than a few miles. He experiences debilitating nerve pain on a nearly daily basis that is a result of having shingles in 2010. In addition he has various other health ailments. He walks with a walking stick or cane everyday because he also has vertigo. He most likely experienced a trans-ischemic attack in November. Getting the MRI done was an uphill battle given that he saw his PCM the Friday before Veteran's Day weekend. He ended up waiting several days for the procedure to be completed because Tricare would not authorize the procedure.

We have also received many blessings this year. We did not lose our home. We have been blessed with some good news regarding our financial situation. Our son has graduated out of all therapies. He is doing great, still has sensory issues. He is six years old and is doing very well in first grade. He loves his teacher. Dean's daughter will be graduating from UCCS in May with a Bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in American Sign Language. She is completing her undergraduate sequence in three years. She has been accepted to Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington to begin pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. She will be studying naturopathic medicine.

I continue to work 2-3 jobs. I work part-time at School Crossing. It is a teacher supply and toy store. I also provide child care at the church. In addition I also provide tutoring services mainly during the school year. In addition to all that, I write a blog, volunteer in my son's classroom, I am assistant den leader for his Cub Scout den and serve on the PTA board at his school.

Life keeps us busy. Hope you and your family are enjoying the holiday season. Please take time to pause and reflect on what Christmas is really all about.

Much love and blessings from the Warren Family!