Minnesota Prairie Roots edited sunset photo from February 2013.
ON THE CUSP of the new year, the final day of 2019 represents a day of reflection.
For me, the year past proved among the most challenging of my life. Situations stretched my strength. My patience. My endurance. My ability to cope.
I learned that I am stronger than I ever thought possible. I learned that I can be persistent and pushy and advocate for those I love. I learned to never give up hope, to rely on God (more than I already had) and that something good can come from difficulties.
I also experienced the goodness of so many people. Prayers. Compassionate words and actions and gifts. All uplifted me. Cards in the mail. Gift cards. Food. Help with medical expenses. Several unexpected Christmas gifts. Hugs. Visits. Texts and emails and phone calls of care.
I felt loved. And that helped me get through those days when I felt overwhelmed by circumstances and all I had to do as a mother, a daughter, a sister.
This past year is one I am ready to see gone. It was that hard. Not everything is all better. But as I step into 2020, I do so as a woman made stronger by that which I’ve endured. And survived.
TELL ME: How was your 2019? How have you changed/grown/experienced the goodness of others?
© Copyright 2019 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I’m glad that you’ve had support when going through such a tough time. It makes all the difference. I am thankful that I connected with you and am so glad that you’re part of my life. Happy New Year, Audrey. ❤
Thank you, Penny. I know you understand the value of support, of caring for others, of using your own challenges to help others. You are incredible, Penny, and I’m thankful to have connected with you.
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For me 2019 seemed to fly by more times than not. There were challenges as well as opportunities. There was struggle as well as major growth. As I step into 2020 I hope for taking a different pace – slow it down more, soak and savor, be more present, etc. Happy New Year – Blessings & Cheers!!!
I always appreciate your attitude, your ability to see the good in life, in circumstances. I appreciate also how deeply you care for others.
Audrey, You are strong, and a good example to us all.
Here’s to the new year…may yours be filled with many blessings.
Thank you, dearest friend. You blessed me beyond measure in 2019 with your much-needed ongoing love, support and encouragement. That is among your many gifts–to uplift others. Valerie, I cherish you.
I haven’t been following Mn Prairie Roots for a while, as I have had the challenge of being caregiver for my husband with Parkinsons’. We seem to be on stable ground once again and I am taking time to do things that I enjoy, from the comfort of our home. I don’t know what your challenges have been, but praise God from Whom all blessings flow ~we will go forward to 2020 with no fear.
Amen, Donna. Bless you for your care of your husband. Caregiving is exhausting. I recognize that. But it is also an honor to help those we love.
I am thankful you are for now on stable ground.
As our 4 parents age, each with illnesses of some degree, I have had to stretch as a caregiver. Rick and I love our parents and feel blessed to still have them (all in their 80’s), it’s hard to see them failing, but I will do my best to be there for them in their final chapter. I love your example Audrey of persevering through this year as I know it has been beyond anything you could have imagined. I’m reading a great book that has reminded me that I will never understand all that happens to us on earth, but these few lines are helping me trust….
“I want to see life through the lens of Gods eye for the rest of my days. I dont want to argue with Him I dont want to fight Him, I dont even need to understand him but, I desperately want to obey Him. And so I want to see life whether it be struggle or joy, whether it be loss or gain, through God’s perspective.
I want to be able to turn to scriptures and find direction and help. And when I cant find answers. I want to trust and to wait for God, even when I cant understand the reason for where I am going. Most of all i want to have inner peace through all of that”.
Audrey, I pray Peace and Joy in all things for you this year and for years to come.
Jackie, thank you for sharing your perspective as a loving daughter, a strong woman of faith, a supportive friend. You have, by example, shown such compassion. You bless so many, including me, your parents (and Rick’s), and all those people who are blessed to know you. A most blessed new year to you and all those you love. His light shines in and through you!