Around mid-December I start thinking about the word I want to shape the following year. Some years I have to spend time making lists, trying words on for size, and figuring out the right one. Other years, like 2022's "family," the right word pops into my head unbidden. This is one of those unbidden--and, let's face it, unwanted--word years. As soon as I extended a toe into thinking about 2023, the word ME flashed like a neon sign in my head. I didn't like it. It's awkward.

2022 was a challenging year. It began with the loss of our dog, a terrible back injury for me, and health issues with members of our extended family (thankfully nothing ended up being serious). But there were a lot of good things that happened, too--great moments of love and laughter and joy. That's how things go as we revolve around the sun: You take the good and the bad and do the best you can to get through it all. My word for the year was Family, and here's how it served