So, this year is a time of HUGE changes for me and my family.  Last year, there were several changes that occurred, but this year, is going to be even more different.  Not necessarily different in a good way, sadly.  There have been ALOT of things going on in my family during the last year, and now into this year.  Much of it I can't really go into, but let's just say it mostly revolves around my Mom and my father.  My father has gone through some odd changes this past year--so much so that none of us--Mom, Craig (my older brother), Carrie (my younger sister)  nor myself can say that we even know him anymore!  If you ask me, I'd say he is delusional--that he is honestly not in his right mind, and quite probably should be medicated and seeking some serious professional help, but then again, no-one is asking me here, that's just my personal opinion.  Anyhoo...my mother, after months of excruciatingly painstakingly praying and seeking guidance and counseling, has decided that the only thing she can do right now is divorce my father.  She can no longer worry about her financial wellbeing--whether my father is racking up incredible debt that she may possibly be held responsible for, nor should she have to continually deal with the mental abuse of being abandoned by her husband for a disillusion.  She's played the character of a quiet, meek, put-together, strong woman (oxymoron, I know) this entire past year.  This whole time she has kept much pain and grief inside herself--mostly out of fear.  --Fear of what others will think of her, of dad if she told them the whole story, fear of the judgement of people who disagree with what was inevitable, fear of the embarrassment, fear of the unknown.  She's slowly starting to talk more to friends about the situation, and her decision, but she is still fearful of opening up too much to too many people b/c she was raised in a very conservative background, and knows that there are still people who are belligerent against divorce, no MATTER the circumstances. 

Anyway...this year is about changes.  Hard changes.  It's going to be a long year, b/c we are all sure the divorce will not be peaceful nor will it be quick or painless.  Dad is not in his right mind, and I'm sure he will be severely angry and revengeful.  It's going to be quite an interesting year!