MY YEAR IN REVIEW…EBB
AND FLOW

By Karlene Stewart

Jun 4, 2018

MY YEAR IN REVIEW

The year 2017 was one of mixed emotions for me, a lot of ebb and flow in my life. A lot of blessings, but one massive low in the midst.

The Low

I’ll start with the hardest part of my year. The most hurtful part of my year was being in a car accident at the end of September. It was a tough day that I replay often and have lots of questions about why and the meaning of it. It was a strange day, which seemed almost fated. That day it was raining and I had decided to get my sons from school earlier than usual. I usually leave for them at about 12.35pm or later, but that day I left just before noon. As I walked towards my car I realised that I had left my phone. I felt bothered about turning back for it, plus my son’s phone was in my car, so I didn’t turn back. But then on the drive to drop my kids to aftercare I kept feeling worried about not having my phone in case something happened. Little did I know that something was indeed about to happen.

As I drove through the green light, one car came through on the other side unexpectedly and I swerved from it. But just as I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking I had missed it, I saw another vehicle directly behind it. I knew there was no avoiding it. Next thing I know I was screaming and I closed my eyes as the car crashed into mine. When I opened my eyes I saw my hands looking black and blue, almost purple looking. One of my vein was swollen and I saw that the green airbags had deployed. The lady from the other car rushed over and said “I am so sorry.” Police officers rushed towards my car shouting “the car is smoking, get out the car, get out the car!” I felt dazed. The officers helped my sons get out from the back seat and I got out as well. There was a loud deafening sound from my car alarm going off, and I could go on and on, but I’ll stop here now. It was a traumatic day, which left me with ptsd, but thankfully it wasn’t worse. My car got written off and my right wrist was injured, but nothing was broken. My children were fine.

My Son’s Graduation

I am happy that my whole year was not like the day of that accident. Other beautiful moments include my son’s graduation from kindergarten. It was a proud moment. Earlier that evening I did slice my finger on a corned beef tin, but fortunately it wasn’t too deep to require stitches and I still made it to the graduation ceremony instead of to the emergency room.

The Ball

For months me and many of my coworkers eagerly awaited the Ball in celebration of our work place’s 50th Anniversary. Apart from my wedding day, I think it’s the most beautiful I ever looked and the most make-up I ever wore. It was an amazing night filled with memories I will always cherish.

Bahamas Family Vacation

Another amazing highlight to my year in 2017 was my summer family vacation in The Bahamas. We stayed at Atlantis and it was fun and memorable.

My Contribution to Literacy in Cayman

In October I had the proud honor of reading my book Meet the Imaginative Joe Dreamer to the year 1, 3 and 6 classes at my sons school. And better still, the book is now in the school’s library and served as part of the year 1 class’s take home assignments.

The local library also asked me to complete forms that would provide them with information they required to include my books in their local book registry.

It is a wonderful feeling to be part of contributing to literacy on a national level.

More Flow than Ebb

Well, I must admit that it is only since writing this article I realised that my year had more good things happening than bad. It was certainly more flow than ebb. The year did end well also, with celebrations in Jamaica with my extended family, and with lots of year end gifts at work. There were a couple other good things that happened this year as well, but I’ll close off here. All is well that ends well.

I give God the glory for taking me through last year successfully and I look forward to a much closer walk with Him in 2018.

Wishing you all a peaceful and prosperous new year!

Best Regards

Karlene

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