29 Things Before I Turned 29

This year I:

1. Visited the Dominican Republic with my family (again)
2. Snorkeled in between ankle and knee deep water (which proved to be quite difficult)
3. Went white water rafting
4. Swam through a mile long level 3 rapid after falling out of the white water raft
5. Hiked a trail in New Mexico 
6. Crossed ice cold running water (melting snow) twice on said hike
7. Ate Indian food for the first time
8. Danced with William (one year old) in a crowded restaurant
9. Watched Friday Night Lights in its entirety... all 5 seasons
10. Discovered Downton Abbey and Sherlock...  PBS Masterpiece in general, really...
11. Moved up to the high school ministry (my girls entered 9th grade)
12. Survived my 10 year high school reunion
13. Survived the Launch retreat (singles retreat at Watermark)
14. Joined the DAYL Leadership Class
15. Stayed with 40 attorneys in double-wide trailers... an experience for sure
16. Watched the Screwtape Letters and To Kill a Mockingbird (plays)
17. Went on a date with my dad (Saw Pam Tillis and Lorie Morgan in concert)
18. Saw Needtobreath live in concert. They are so good live!
19. Said goodbye to my grandmother
20. Tragically lost my father... much to young
21. Gave my father's eulogy (not for the faint of heart)
22.  Discovered loose leave tea with tapioca (better than milk tea!)
23. Learned to water ski in Lake Charles, LA
24. Cried more than I thought possible 
25. Felt the love of the Lord in amazing ways as I watched my friends, my small group girls, my colleagues, and my father's clients minister to my family
26. Experienced grief beyond what I thought I could endure
27. Ate Truffled Manchego Tater Tots at the Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa. Words cannot express how amazing they were
28. Ate at Texas De Brazil for the first time...  So much food!
29. Visited in-n-out burger in Dallas, TX and ordered my first burger animal style... yum

This year was by far the hardest year of my life; the last two months of it, anyway. I miss my father every day. I grieve him in so many ways and in so many things. It is hard to articulate the grief and sorrow. I have had to grow up more in the last two months than in the last 28 years combined. I really hate this. In the midst of my sorrow, I have been thankful for so many friends that have grieved and mourned along with me. I am thankful for the acts of service and love that I have witnessed. I am blessed to know so many amazing people who love me well. Thank you for being there for me.