My Reasons for Gratitude, 2019

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

This year the Smart Man and I had an opportunity to go to Disney World with my Awesome, Awesome Niece and her staff. It was our first time, but the Smart Niece is an old pro, and spending that time with her and her parents is a gift to be cherished.

For Pride 2019, I joined a group of fellow LGBTQ+ allies at the Denver Pridefest to provide "Free Mom Hugs" to any and all who needed or wanted them. It was my first year doing so, and I found the experience emotionally exhausting, and utterly, utterly necessary and worthwhile. I'm grateful that I've come far enough on my grief journey to have the emotional fortitude to be able to do this work.

Our AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk team, Maureen's Marchers, were the highest fundraising group this year, and I was the #1 individual fundraiser. I'm grateful for the friends, family, and colleagues who donate in Moe's name in an effort to support and defend those who fall into despair. 

I also joined a group called "The Parasol Patrol," who provide escort and shielding services for LGBTQ+ youth who are attending events designed for the LGBTQ+ community. Not only am I grateful to provide support to this marginalized group, I'm proud that I have not yet allowed my anger and rage at the protesters who make my participation in the Parasol Patrol necessary get the better of me.

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hip this year, but it could have been in my spine, which is much harder to manage and would affect my mobility more severely. I'm grateful there's a surgical remedy for my decrepitude when it's required.

The Smart Man and I finally went to see an independent financial advisor. The one I had from Fidelity irked me, and we really like our new guy. We're in much better shape than we assumed, and while we still have some actions to take in order to retire in the style in which we'd prefer, we're absolutely on track to do so. I'm grateful to have the means to be able to plan effectively for my retirement.