As challenging as 2020 was, 2021 seemed to play just as nasty, if not nastier in some ways, than its predecessor. Nevertheless, we fought for moments this year, some big and some small, that we will look back on and hold them dear to our hearts. For the Lane family, here were some of our shining moments during an otherwise unpleasant time.

• We began 2021 with a family trip to Bend/Sunriver for Melissa’s birthday. There wasn’t a lot to do aside from eating tons of food and ice cream and playing board games, pool, and darts but it was a nice getaway from the norm.

• Because we were unsure if Ben would play high school baseball because of COVID, we started a sandlot baseball program of our own and had our first game in March. Since then, 45 young men have been able to participate in 56 different games, practices, and events.

• Fortunately, high school baseball got the green light and Ben was able to enjoy a fun spring and summer season with his school.

• Another first for Bella was playing softball. COVID killed youth basketball in 2020 and she was up for trying pretty much anything to fill the void. Not technically a first experience, as she played in a couple fall games many years ago, but it was a first in a lot of ways. And she enjoyed it more than she thought she would.

• Bella had a lot of firsts this past year. On Easter, she had a small acting part in her first play. It was a small part but she killed it.

• Bella also started volleyball, something she had been wanting to try for a while. She’s pretty athletic so it came natural to her and she made some new friends in the process.

• I took Ben and Ben, his friend Andrew on a fishing adventure in Central Oregon for Ben’s 15th birthday in June. We hit up Suttle Lake, Lake Billy Chinook, Devil’s Lake, and Clear Lake and, if memory serves me correctly, we caught and released a dozen or more fish.

• One of the most memorable moments for the Lane family was our family vacation to Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando toward the end of June. It’s a pretty neat story how we got there but too lengthy to share on this post. Nevertheless, it was hands down one of the best memories of my entire life and I would give anything to make it happen again soon!

• Aside from baseball, July was a fairly quiet month. However, we did manage to put together a team for my daughter to play in Hoopla. We had some serious competition but the Royals did a fantastic job and we had a lot of fun.

• In August, Melissa and I celebrated our 19th anniversary. Yes, you read that correctly. Nineteen years of celebration was had. For as often as I fail, she’s always there to help pick up the pieces. I love you, Mel.

• We took another family trip to Bend with the in-laws in August. I really tried to get someone to bungee jump with me but I had no takers. Maybe next time, they said…

• Baseball consumed most of our time in September and October. But when November came around, not only did we celebrate Bella’s 14th birthday (she has a great group of friends and I was glad to see her have such a fun time) but youth basketball finally started up again here in Oregon and Bella was able to start practicing and playing once again. If you know her, you know this was a big deal.

• Bella also had a large role in a Christmas play through Hope Point called Scarred. Between school, basketball, and the play, she definitely had her hands full. It was a huge amount of work but she nailed it!

• And lastly, Ben passed his permit test a few weeks ago in December. And yes, since then, he hasn’t stopped asking if he can drive….

Another big change for both of our kids was that we transferred them out of their schools and into new schools. For a long time, we had in-district transfers for our kids but it just got to the point that it wasn’t working any longer. They needed a change. And looking back on it now, it was the absolute best thing that happened to them in 2021.

So, I guess I’ll leave you with that. Be encouraged. Some things might need to change in your life and if they do, don’t be afraid to make tough decisions and put yourself in a better place. Maybe that can be all of our goals for 2022.

Blessings to you all.