We’ve had quite a year. Highest of highs and lowest of lows. The only challenge we escaped was medical issues. (Although we escaped them in our little family of six, our beloved niece received a shocking diagnosis, so we were certainly not untouched by medical stuff.)

We’re coming up on a year since life as we knew it changed for good. As I said then, it’s not my story to tell. But I’ve lived it and walked alongside my daughter as she’s experienced every emotion, every stage of grief, and every challenge imaginable.

The culmination of last year came last week when our daughter addressed the court to give a victim’s statement. When she finished, the judge told her that in his 25 years in the law, hers was the most impressive victim’s statement he’d heard. She exhibited an understanding of the issues and wasn’t angry or vindictive, unlike most statements.

As we look forward to what’s next for our family, for our daughters and granddaughters, that’s what I take away. Anger has a place. Jesus was angry. Anger spurs change. Vindictiveness doesn’t bring anything except bitterness which leads to bondage. It’s a cliche that bitterness doesn’t hurt anyone except the one carrying it. I don’t want to be bitter. I forgive. I move on. Admittedly, not always easily and not always quickly. But I eventually get there.

Now I’m looking forward to 2015. When apparently those medical issues we dodged in 2014 will catch up to us.