12.31.2013

Happy New Year!


And so it's time to reflect on another year that has come to a close with alarming speed!

2013 started off with breast cancer and a fourth surgery.  It was determined that the lumpectomies and tissue excision was not working and the situation could not be saved.  Thankfully my lymph nodes were clear and I did not require chemotherapy or radiation, I felt so very lucky about that!  I underwent a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in a five and a half hour operation.  The recovery was estimated at twelve to sixteen weeks but really it has taken me almost the whole year to feel like myself again.  I had a little complication that required another surgery in February and a lot of trouble with my shoulders as a result of trauma to the general area, but weekly physiotherapy has helped me tremendously.  Then just when I was gleefully preparing to say good-bye to 2013 which has been the most difficult year of my life (next to 2011 when I lost my brother), and looking forward to my birthday and Christmas, things got worse.  My beloved father died quite unexpectedly at the beginning of December.  My family is bereft beyond description.  We are fortunate however to have each other, so many people are alone this time of year and I could not imagine coping with this kind of loss by myself.  Our Christmas was subdued but we were together and the bonds of love kept us going.  It is with a heavy heart that I ring in the new year but I would like to wish all my cat blogging friends who are so very dear to me a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014 filled with love and many blessings.


Here's to a new year, with new possibilities for all of us :-)

lots of love,
Cat and the cats xoxo

35 comments:

Mickey's Musings said...

We wish you peace,joy and good health for 2014. This past year has been hard on you and we hope you have many more happier days ahead.
The kitties can help with that :)
Happy New Year!
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure,Tiger and JJ
and Angel Tillie
and the mom

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

I'm so sorry that 2013 was such a hard, sad year for you. I hope that 2014 holds wonderful gifts for you!

Fuzzy Tales said...

We're so sorry to read of your dad's passing, hadn't known. We hope 2014 will be merciful and kind, will bring far more laughter and joy than tears and sorrow.

Peace and Blessings to you all.

weaverpat said...

We're so sorry to hear of all the upsetting things that happened this past year and the recent passing of your Father. I knew you weren't blogging as regularly, but had no idea about all the other health problems.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
I hope this next year will be a much better one for you.

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

2013 certainly was a sucky year.. I didn't know you lost your father too, I'm sorry for your loss. My dad passed away in the end of November so our holidays have been subdued as well. It's not easy, and my heart goes out to you. I hope next year is better.

Terri said...

I hope your breast cancer is behind you. I'm sorry to hear about your father's death. Thoughts and prayers are with your family. May 2014 bring the blessings of health and happiness.

Marg said...

Oh Cat, we are so so sorry about your father. Sending tons of hugs and prayers. We sure hope this New Year is a good one for you. Have a healthy, fun and just plain great New Year.

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are so sorry that your Dad died -what an awful year you have endured with your surgery for breast cancer.
We send our love to you all and hope that 2014 will bring you a Happy New Year.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx + Sue xx

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

We are so sorry about the heavy sadness that sits in your heart on the loss of your Dad this month. Any loss, especially of a beloved family member is terribly difficult and after all the things you have experienced this year the sadness must at times seem overwhelming. I am so so sorry that you are dealing with all of this so suddenly and so soon. Will keep you in my prayers and wish that 2014 brings you peace and one day some joy. (hugs)

Cara n Crew said...

we are very sorry about the loss of your dad. What a year, huh? we wish you much peace, health, and happiness in the coming year!
purrs,

Pip, Smidgen, Minnie, Hollie

da tabbies o trout towne said...

cat....with sincere sympathy on the loss of your dad...and we all hope the new year brings happiness, health & loves for you and your family...xoxox

Rene said...

I am very sorry for the loss of your dad. Losing someone is hard enough, but then suddenly and near the holidays is unimaginable. We send purrs and prayers, and hope 2014 is a happier year for you.

Random Felines said...

((hugs)) we are sending you best wishes for a wonderful 2014!

Brian's Home Blog said...

2013 was just not the best. We wish you a wonderful and Happy New Year!!!

Tamago said...

We are so sorry for loss of your father. It was very difficult year for you but you fought against cancer so bravely. We wish you a wonderful new year with peach, health, and happiness!!

Samantha & Mom said...

Oh Cat!! We are sending lots of purrs and prayers your way!! So sorry for the loss of your Father! Hugs!! We pray for a most BEST 2014 ever for you and your Family!!
Your TX furiends,
Chandra, Samantha & Clementine

A Tonl said...

Oh Cat, we are beyond sorry to hear about your father.... I somehow missed this on facebook. Oh, I'm so deeply sorry....

Wishing you comfort, healing and many precious memories as you grieve this loss.

And may 2014 bring you many joyous moments.

Purrs to you from Maxwell, Faraday and Allie.

Samantha & Mom said...

Hi Ben! Wanna come over to the Tabby Cat Club for New Year's Eve? There is lots of cool stuff to do and eat!!
Hug & Kisses,
Clementine

My Mind's Eye said...

Cat, Robert, Fab 5 and Rio
We 100% agree with you...2013 was not a good year and
We gleefully say be gone to it.
Mom and I send you all Nd your extended family hugs and many many wishes for good health...as we have learned good health makes us wealthy
Hugs
Madi and mom

Maggie from Stillness at Cherith said...

We are sending you gentle purrs and soft kitty head nudges. This sounds like a very hard year. Our human sends warm thoughts. We both wish you healing thoughts and quiet joys for the next year.
Signed,
the kitty brats

Clooney said...

Oh Cat, I am so sorry about the loss of your Father. What a tremendously challenging year for you with your loss and recovery journey. I send you much love and many warm thoughts. I really wish a New Year filled with tons of blessings for you. May grace touch your life this next year. (And many, many smoochies to Ginger Snap from his Tiri!)

Love Karyn, Tiri & Cloon

Quill and Greyson said...

We're so sorry for your loss. May 2014 bring you health and happiness.

dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet Moonfur said...

I'm purring for you that 2014 is a happy and healthy year for you all. Happy new year.

The Island Cats said...

We are so sorry to hear about your father. We hope that the new year brings you happiness and good health. oxoxox

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father.
I hope 2014 brings you good health and peace which leads to happiness.

Jacqueline said...

Cat, you have been through so much the last few years and while I am happy for your good health news, I am especially sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad...Wishing you and your family comfort at this difficult time...We hope you all enjoy great health, wonderful joys and unconditional love throughout 2014 and beyond!...Happy New Year, dear friends...xoxo...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat

SS1212MM said...

Love you sis. Xoxoxoxo

meowmeowmans said...

What a very tough year 2013 was for you, especially with the loss of your father. We send you much love, and hope that your 2014 is filled with much health, and reasons to celebrate. Hugs and purrs...

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

We are praying for a kinder and gentler 2014 for you! (((hugs)))

wildcatwoods said...

2013 has been a very hard year for you and others. Wishing you joy in 2014!

John Bellen said...

The past year seems to have been a rough one for many, but yours sounds especially bad. I'm sorry for that. And it's no wonder that you took longer to recover from your surgeries than the doctors estimated. I wish you could have had an emotional rest as well as a physical one, but 2014 will be better; a time to recuperate, a time to gain strength. God bless all there.

Texas, a Cat in... Austin said...

So sorry to read all you had to go through in 2013. I wish for you that 2014 brings healing, happiness and some good surprises.
We send many purrs to you.

Cory said...

We are so very sorry for the loss of your father. 2013 was such a difficult year for you. We are all purring and praying that 2014 brings you health and happiness.

xoxo Cory and family

Anonymous said...

Love you sis. Xoxoxoxo
http://beauty2beautytips.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I'm purring for you that 2014 is a happy and healthy year for you all. Happy new year.
http://beauty2beautytips.blogspot.com/