Puccini

As I drove home from South Carolina yesterday, the last day of 2012, the eight-hour drive gave me time to reflect on the year. Many wonderful events and accomplishments but also some losses and disappointments.

My mom lost her 12-year-old Schnauzer, Mozart, to cancer last fall and was finally ready to welcome a new family member a few days ago. We drove to the northwest corner of South Carolina on December 29 to retrieve an 8-week-old black-and-white Schnauzer puppy. My parents decided to name him as a tribute to one of their favorite operas, Madame Butterfly, composed by Giacomo Puccini.

But I will most miss my Uncle Gene, who died on August 15 after a long battle with cancer. He was a larger-than-life figure in my early years, and later he provided me sage advice on all matters of finances and life, from stock choices to books to read to how to “train” Jack Russell terriers. He was an alum of Ball State University and a lifelong educator whose contributions will continue thanks to an endowment. You never know where life will take you and how your presence on earth will affect others; I’m proud that my uncle made such a great difference to many in his lifetime.

As we enter into 2013, I hope to continue on my path to expand my volunteer work in conservation and wildlife. I also plan to resume my daily photo blog and thank you all for taking the time to read and follow along. Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!