Pinot, Bretzels, and Cathedrals

7pm on New Years Eve and I’m sitting in the passenger seat of our car. We are driving on German autobahn en route home after dropping Dad at the airport in Frankfurt. With the exception of Strasbourg highways and by-ways, I think that this route between Strasbourg and Frankfurt has been my most frequented journey in 2015.In the last 367 days (one year and two days) I have seen the inside of the airport 7 times. Given everything that is our life here, you can understand why I’m stating this mundane fact. 
367 days ago we drove this route on snow covered icy roads. The only thing on our minds was getting home safely. Never did we once consider what 2015 had in store for us. Not once did I consider that we would have the pleasure of transporting Dad on his own to and from the airport. And obviously, I didn’t think that I wouldn’t be wishing Mom a happy new year tomorrow. 
2015 has been a without a doubt, a shitty year. It can’t get much worse than this. Until the next time I guess. 

But coming out of the embers of the devastating fire of 2015, I am able to realise some key points that I can take forward into tomorrow. 
My relationship with my sister has become stronger than it has ever been. I love that I have scrolling text messages on my phone, which just go on and on. I love the quick snatches of modern technology FaceTime phone calls while she’s driving home from work, or the Sunday morning ones when we have mad conversations with children waving new toys in front of the camera, while they pick their noses. I love the shared emotions, shared memories, shared conspiring to technologically challenge Dad. We haven’t had this relationship for a very long time, and I am so grateful to have it now. 
My second gem of contentment is being able to rest in the knowledge that my Dad has been to visit us, and is happy with the life we lead here. I am grateful for the effort he has made to come and see us, both en route to Santiago, and particularly now for Christmas. Thank you Dad for being so inspirational and the very best mentor a girl could ask for. We have enjoyed having you over to visit, and while I wish you could return in the next year, I know there are other exciting places to see and things to do. Happily, it is just 6 months until we see you again although I suspect you’ll be recovering from the Beth onslaught until then. 
The kind support of everyone at home and abroad who gave me strength to see my way through sad weeks, and felt like they too had lost a parent made the darkness easier. And not ever feeling alone, I was able to realise the absolutely wonderful group of friends that I have been blessed to be surrounded with here in Strasbourg. To my hubby and children, who have had to deal with my crocodile tears, my coiled sadness and my bad moods, thank you so much for your understanding. To each and every single one of my old and new friends, whether we’re related by blood, related by the blood and tears we’ve shared, or the wine we’ve consumed, I want to say a giganti-normous thank you. I will never forget how you helped me through this year. 
Going forward, what can I say for 2016, but for the clichéd obvious- seize the moment, hold onto what is important: your friendships especially. I wish you a year of happy moments. 

To my South African friends, save the date July 5th- the girls and I will be at the farm for a month, and we are hoping to catch up with as many people as possible. 
Love and hugs to you all, 

Until next time,

Love

Me

Xxx