What is your fondest memory in 2001?
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AKLRULZ · 12-30-2001, 10:30 AM

2001 was, in many respects, a super year for us. While we will NEVER forget the events of September 11, 2001 - let's all focus on a positive, fond memory from 2001 - maybe you have lots of memories....So what are yours?

I have a quite a few - bringing home our new black lab puppy, Chloe, in January 2001; landing a huge new account in March 2001 at work which basically funded all of our trips for the year; going through the Survivor application process for Survivor Africa during spring 2001 (even though I didn't make it - arrggh!); watching my daughter's first ballet recital in May 2001; celebrating my daughter's 7th birthday in July 2001 at Universal Orlando and staying at the Hard Rock Hotel; suprising my wife in September 2001 with a loaded brand new Ford Windstar minivan; watching my oldest son play in his first football game in September 2001; our 10 day trip to Walt Disney World in November 2001 staying at the AKL for the very first time; seeing my oldest son win two awards at his football awards banquet in November 2001; watching my youngest son in November 2001 in his first pre-school proudction playing a pilgrim; and of course, this past Christmas, once again celebrating our Savior's birth with my family.

It was a super year for the Baker family here in Richmond. We leave the year with more fond memories than sad ones - even though the memories of 9/11 will remain with us into 2002. God Bless each and every one of you in Passporterland for a very blessed and prosperous 2002 - I look forward to hearing your fond memories of 2001!

[ 12-30-2001: Message edited by: Dadtojbj ]

**DebiDebiDebi** · 12-30-2001, 10:54 AM

In January our oldest DD was married. DH finally got settlement from class action lawsuit, which enabled us to build fence around our nearly an acre yard & got new counter tops in the kitchen, & new carpeting. We watched our youngest DD graduate from high school, then a couple months later, she finished her 2 year quest for her cosmetology licence. We got the news that we are going to be first time grandparents this coming Feburary from DD & SIL. We had a fabulous vacation for 2 to Las Vegas. We bought our first ever new car. We went to two Mariner games, and attended the All Star Fan Fest durring the All Star Game. We will soon experience our first ever hockey game. We went to Missoula Montana to visit DD & SIL. DH & I just became empty nesters, and we are enjoying that new experience. We have seen some terrible things this year, but my heart is full when I think of the amazing acts of bravery and kindness and coming together I have witnessed since 9/11/01. I thank God for my heaalth, my family, and my life. I am grateful for this country that I live in, and for all it enables me to do and be. Here's to a wonderful and Peaceful 2002.

Cruella · 12-30-2001, 01:31 PM

This was a year of many sad memories for me. The passing of my father, the day we had to put down our beautiful dog, Blue, because he had a brain tumor, the awful devastation of 9/11...

But with each of those memories comes a good memory as well. The hours I spent with Dad in the hospital before he passed and the big smile he gave me as I arrived each day to sit with him. The cortisone shot that Blue received which, for a couple of weeks, made him like a puppy again, before his symptoms returned. And the felling I had when I saw Tim driving to pick me up at the train station when I finally made it home on 9/11.

I also recall the day we decided to get our new baby, Mushu. He has been a blessing in our lives this year!

As with most years, this year has been good and bad, but for some reason, I felt everything more intensely this year. It was impossible to be blase about anything, especially after 9/11. And for that I give thanks! There is nothing better than the feeling of living each day to the fullest. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

debe · 12-30-2001, 01:35 PM

We have had many things happen this year that I am thankful for...

Our lives have never been the same since dear Maggie who will be 9 months old on 1/4/02 came to be part of our family... boy is she ornery but a very affectionate pup. Then shortly there after we had another addition to the family Zeek who is Maggie's partner in crime. He is now 6 months old and every bit as ornery as her and also a lover.

August 20th is a night that will live with us forever. this was the night we received a devistating call from our DD informing us my car was totalled and that she needed help with substance abuse. This we suspected but as we all know nothing can be done to help until the individual with the problem admits and accepts help. I may have lost my car but we have our DD back... I thank God everyday for giving her a second chance to correct her lifestyle. We all make mistakes, some just are bigger than others. She is doing very well and is still considering going into one of the Military Branches of Service.... all in due time...

I was thrilled to be able to give our very own Cruella a big hug earlier this month down at WDW. She is a beautiful, warm hearted loving person with a fantastic personality... She was the first person I thought of when I heard about the Trade Centers on 9/11. I can't even beging to discribe how I felt but as soon as I heard she had made it out safely, I had tears of joy... I have to add, Tim, David, Andrew & her mom are also warm loving people. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Another special time period for me in this year of 2001 was being able to meet up with fellow PassPorter famiy members and their families. This December trip has to be one of the best Disney trips I have ever had. What could be better than spending quality time with your daughter and meeting a group of beautiful people! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Shannon said this was the best trip she had ever had and would like to do it again. She said if she is still around she would love to go back in December to meet up with everyone again.

As we all know life is too short.... lets all make 2002 a better year! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Happy New Year 2002!

**rescuesk** · 12-30-2001, 04:55 PM

First and foremost, a blessed and happy new year to all my Passporter friends.
2001 was a transition year for us in many ways. DH had a job transfer in January that we weren't sure about, but turned out to be a blessing. One of my two full time jobs went out of business in April, which also turned out to be a blessing. The job changes for both of us made us realize what is really important in life.

Our Disney trip in May with two friends was one of the nicest trips we have ever taken.

In June, we had the long awaited and much needed landscaping done to our 5 year old house. July 2001 saw a family and friends picnic/party that has become a yearly tradition. It is great to see everyone together.

In August DH and I took a long weekend trip to Cape Cod, sort of a "second honeymoon".

Sept 11 among the sadness was joy, when I learned that my good friend made it out and was OK. It also brought important things into focus. Sept also saw the arrival of our "lucky" Nissan Pathfinder...one of the smartest moves we made!

November we went to Vermont to visit my aunt and uncle.

Dec 1 was a banner day. This was the day my Dad moved into assisted living in Pa . Now he is ten minutes from me instead of 2 hours, and I see him several times a week, as well as doing things like lunch, etc. Dec was our first Disney Christmas trip, as well as our first trip as DVC owners.

This Christmas was especially blessed...my stepson was here from Colorado, my Dad was up, and DH and I are happy and together. Add my Golden retriever to the mix, and everything I love was together in one location. It doesn't get better than that!

Looking forward to an even beter 2002.

Happy New Year!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Beth L. · 12-30-2001, 06:58 PM

Though this may sound strange I can't think of anything that really stands out as a favorite memory before 9/11. [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] The first real jolt of joy was finding out that my cousin who works in the Pentagon was safe after it was hit.

The most exciting time was our first ever family vacation 10/12 - 10/20 to gee, where? Disney World of course. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

I have also found out that I'm going to be a first time grandparent. Boy, that word is tough to type. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] When DD asked what I wanted to be called; Grandma, Gran, Nanny...etc I said Auntie LOL. Oh boy, culture shock. Well, I'll be back posting shortly, after I dye my grey hairs and rub on the Bengey that is. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Happy New Years to all!!

Peace

wdwlovers · 12-30-2001, 07:30 PM

Beth, you are too funny..Grannie! I too don't have too many outstanding things for this year. I was accepted to school in Olando on my bday Feb 16, but had to cancel plans on moving to warm FL with DH's job situation. I got to see the last showing of MSEP at MK in April. We were looking at houses in Orlando and DH said " hey, lets have a fun day at MK while we are here" Why would I argue. We haven't had any babies born to our family this year, but found out 2 friends are preggos. My mom had a spinal fusion in Oct and can finally walk without pain. (will be planning a WDW trip with her soon--she has never been there and I'd love to show it to her!) [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I am looking forward to this next year. Lots of big things happening for me then.

SMG · 12-30-2001, 07:51 PM

My fondest would without a doubt be our 1st trip to WDW in June!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I'll always remember it!

Sue W · 12-30-2001, 09:28 PM

In June my son graduated from Kindergarten. Their teacher traditionally has the class sing patriotic songs and this year she asked the class to bring in any pictures from their families of men or women who had died in a war. My father's uncle died in WW2 in Europe and was awarded the Purple Heart. The picture with the PH right in the frame had always been displyed in my grandmother's house and then in our house when she passed away. My dad let my son bring it to school, and when the class sang "God Bless the USA" the children held up these pictures when they sang the line "I won't forget the men who died.." There was not a dry eye in the school during the song, and I havew often reflected on that little group of 6 year olds singing so earnestly, with none of us knowing what was coming just 3 months later.

Another fond memory I have is having an editorial I wrote published in the local paper with my picture last spring.

The other memory I have is sitting in a boat with my children and husband, coming through the fog, and seeing the Magic Kingdom, all of us for the first time.

2001 has been quite a year.

**disneyknut** · 12-30-2001, 09:40 PM

First off let me wish my passporter friend a very happy, healthy & prosperous 2002.. you have all welcomed me so warmly & I appreciate all of your help & friendship!
Great topic!!!
2001 was a pretty good year for me & my family..Each month something special could be said..
January saw my Grandmother celebrating another birthday.. she turned 87 & is still going strong ( she'll probably outlive me)
February- DH surprised me with a trip to WDW on Valentines Day.
March- the college basketball team my brother coaches made it to the NAIA playoffs.. ( they lost but hey, they got to go to Branson!)
April- I got a job as a cafeteria aide at my sons school.
May- Watched DS #1 son make his First Holy Communion.. what a special moment to receive communion with him at the same altar he was baptised.
June- The same DS #1 was named to the West Mifflin 8YO baseball All-star team & DH was named the coach ( Guess where I spent my summer!)
July- This has to be the most special moment of 2001.. DS #1 ( again!,.. yes, I do have 2 other kids!) was named MVP in 2 of the All-star tournaments. The best being the one he played his heart out & truly was a great player ( for 8YO) & just seeing DH hand him the trophy was a moment I'll always remember.
August- joining this great board
September- DS #2 surprise birthday.. he loved every minute of being papmered.
October- Going to WDW again !! & conquering some of the big girl rides
November- Sepnding Thanksgiving at my MIL's .. the kids don't spend many holidays with her since she lives in Texas so this was a real treat for her.
December- Having all of my Christmas shopping done by Dec 1st AND planning another trip to WDW ( with AP's no less! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] )

AKLRULZ · 12-31-2001, 12:28 AM

Sue, I am balling seeing that photo of your son. What a phenomenal thing to see! WOW.

AKLRULZ · 12-31-2001, 12:44 AM

Since we are all searching the old posts and bumping them up - I'm gonna bump this one up so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle! BUMP!

patty c. · 12-31-2001, 11:55 AM

I have been mulling this question over for a few days and at first was disappointed that I couldn't think of one good thing to happen this year, but now I've realized that what I will hang onto is . . . that God has been with us in all that HAS happened.

DH hit a semi, slid across 4 lanes of interstate traffic, totaled his Explorer, and walked away because God is not finished with him on this earth yet.

We didn't have full insurance so we were completely out the money. We purchased a vehicle for $7500 and prayed that God would provide. We promptly made $5000 of it back when a movie company rented the vehicle from us for an upcoming movie.

My sister's car slid off the road, became airborn, and landed in trees 40' below. She ended up with a few good cuts and bruises and a few days in the hospital because God is not finished with her either.

My SIL had several procedures regarding possible cervical cancer, but in the meantime her faith flourished, inspiring us all.

We left our church home of 10 years, which was our social life, much of our identity, and most of our friends. This has been the hardest thing I've been through in years, however, God has put people in our path at just the right time to encourage and lead us.

After spending $2600 on car repairs in 3 months our van develops a cracked head gasket and we had to purchase a new van, and are still waiting to see what God can do with this.

This was a year where nothing worked the way I would have liked. There was a lot of frustration and disappointment. And yet, who was I to feel so depressed about trivial things when thousands of families had suffered through loss of loved ones and jobs as a result of 9/11. I have never been in need of God's grace like I have this year, but the comfort is . . . it was there, and I will remember 2001 as a year of abundance because of the grace of God.

Nala · 12-31-2001, 01:07 PM

This is an easy one for me. Our trip to the World. The look of wonder in my 3 year old DD eyes & her excitement with everything from dinner with Chip & Dale at LTT to chasing lizards at Ft Wilderness was priceless. Next to her joy with the World was DH (previous hater of all things Disney) admiting he felt the magic after riding Space Ship Earth and finally understanding the whole love of Dinsey thing. That whole trip was magical & just what I needed to feed my soul after a long hard year.

While we were all devastated by the events of September 11, I think it gave all of us a wake up call. Because of the events, I began to appreciate all the things I had been taking for granted, my family, my life as I know it and the wonderful country in which I live.

I hope 2002 brings many things to many people. Hope, healing and many beautiful memories to look back on in the next year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!

SarahJ · 12-31-2001, 03:06 PM

Happy New Year Passporter Gang.

This is an easy one for me, my best memory this year was in September when DH and I found out we were pregnant for the first time. Then came the excitement of getting to see our little one on the ultrasounds and getting to hear the heartbeat for the first time. I lost my grandfather in October this year, but somehow knowing that I was carrying his 8th great grandchild made it a little easier to handle the sadness.

Some other memorable moments for us were being able to pay cash for a used camper for our truck. Our trip to Reno in August to drool over classic cars at Hot August Nights. The addition of our new cat, Dave, who was left behind when his former family had to move to Alaska for two years.

Here's hoping you all have a safe and happy new years!