Like New Year’s Day

It was like New Year’s Day when I brought her home, my gorgeous first-born.
When that child, now a woman, came out of surgery with a spirit and a smile unscathed by the scalpel.
When ten days later I brought her home, my gorgeous first-born.
I could have lit fireworks. It was like New Year’s Day!

It was like New Year’s Day when we landed in Raleigh, ready for a new life in the USA.
When we saw through weary eyes two lovely people who waited past midnight to welcome us home.
When we stepped across the threshold of our new home and saw the words “Welcome Home” hanging over the fireplace. We could feel the excitement in our bones. It was like New Year’s Day!

It was like New Year’s Day when I walked away from work  that was sapping life out of me.
When I made the choice, rather than be chosen.
When I welcomed uncertainty, just for a short while, for the certainty of a brighter future.
That was like New Year’s Day!

It was like New Year’s Day when I recently celebrated my birthday in the country I was born.
When I could share it with family and friends of my childhood.
When I finally met a loved one not seen since I was baptized as a baby.
When I could almost taste love from all those around me, love that is seasoned by the years, mature, undemanding, patient, kind, faithful. That was like New Year’s Day!

So what is like a New Year’s Day for you?