As I sit here on New Year’s Eve, I am overwhelmed with a feeling of contentment. Sure, 2011 was a tough year for my husband and I – professionally, mentally, personally. Yet we persevered. And we’re even stronger for it.

And sure, my husband isn’t here to spend New Year’s Eve with my daughter, parents and I (he’s in Boston playing a show). But who cares. Life is good.

I have a beautiful family. The most perfect little girl. An amazing husband. A loving and supportive marriage. A house we love in a neighborhood we adore.  We are fortunate when many others are not and we have good health.

I could reflect on the year past and think of all the hard times. Be ready to just forget about it all and start new. But that’s not necessary. 2011 may have been a big time of transition for us – a time for reflection and soul searching. But even though it was hard, I wouldn’t erase it. Because it all had to happen in order for 2012 to happen. And I know good things await us in 2012.

But what I really know is that all that “stuff” from 2011 isn’t what it’s all about. We Road Widows spend so much time talking about “life on the road” and how that interferes with normal life. The hard times, the sorrows, the frustrations, the anger, the hurt. But in doing so, we often divert our focus from life that happens “off the road.” Life, love, family. That’s the good stuff.

So I’m ready. Bring it 2012. Show me what’s in store. I can’t wait!