I have been thinking a lot about 2009 and how to describe what kind of year its been. Ever since Jan 1st, I keep getting the question and I havent really been sure what to say. There are reasons for me to really love it and reasons to really hate it.

My MS decided to give me some serious problems last year - pretty much all year long. Moving my life and family from Texas to Nevada was more difficult than even I had imagined. Add to that the stresses of remotely buying and putting together a new house, and it just was all so much to deal with.

Despite all of those things though, I think last year was probably the best I have had in a very long while. Sometimes I stare at 2 full address books and the notebook I bought to put names in because address books just dont have enough space for me anymore. So many names, so many people, so many stories that have been entrusted to me. I am humbled. I feel honored that so many people, some of them fantastic ablegamers, would feel comfortable enough with me to open up about your lives the way you have.

I have learned much about life in general and about myself  through you. At the very least, you have affirmed that choosing to be in counseling was the right path for me. At the most, you inspire me to be a better person everyday. Your stories are often full of hope, or can be funny, and occasionally they even bring us to tears. We have been through the full gambit of emotions together. It has been real in a way that few things are anymore.

I never cease to be amazed at the power of the human spirit. Many of you endure things that I would have thought would break even the strongest of people. But there you are, still strong and refusing to be brought down. You do make me try harder in my own life and ,for that, I cannot say thank you enough.

I love hearing your thoughts and the stories of your lives. I am so glad you have given me that opportunity to hear you out and to help when I could. You have changed me for the better this last year. That is what has made 2009 one of the best years of my life. Even taking into account all my trials, I wouldnt trade this last year for anything.

I am looking forward to 2010 and the challenges it is sure to bring. The troop increase in Afghanistan this year will, unfortunately, probably mean that I am just as busy in 2010 talking to the war wounded. They need your thoughts and prayers.

That said, I am still available to anyone who wants or needs to talk about anything you need or want to discuss - living with disability, games, family, or whatever else you want to talk about. I even take anonymous email if you just need to get something off your chest and you dont want to give a name. I seem to be getting more of those lately. I can give a reply or not - its all up to you. I try my best to reply the same day but sometimes it might take a little longer depending on how much mail I have that day. Somedays are light and other days my  eyes bug out at a stuffed full box. I love it though. :)

I wish you all a good 2010. I know Ablegamers will continue to grow and be a force for positive change this year. A big thanks and lots of love to my best friend Mark for all his hard work. Thanks to all the staff of AG for a great year. We have come so far from the beginning. I appreciate all of you. Keep up the great work!

Stephanie/Camilya  :)

stephanie@ablegamers.com