Year of the Milestone

A milestone is a marker set up on a road to show the distance to a certain place. The first recorded milestones were put in place by the Romans along the Appian way, the major roadway of the Roman Empire. The Romans marked the centre of Imperial Rome with the ‘Golden Milestone’ and then marked every thousandth double-step along the road with another large cylindrical stone. These markers helped people identify how far they had travelled. To this day roadbuilders use milestones to mark distances along our highways. But more importantly, the word is also used figuratively to refer to important events or markers in a person’s life.

2007 has been “The Year of the Milestone” for our family.

CAREER MILESTONES:

This year, each son set an important milestone in their career paths: Our oldest son, Clark, graduated from University with a degree in Political Science and History and embarked on a career as a government policy advisor. Our middle son, Matt, signed his first professional NHL contract after being drafted second round by the Minnesota Wild, entering his first year as a pro in the AHL. He was also recognized with a WHL “Academic Player of the Year” award for maintaining a 3.7 GPA in four University courses which he completed during the year. Jonathan, our youngest, graduated with honors from High School. Jonathan’s high school volleyball team were division champs. We are so very proud of all of our sons and celebrate their achievements! We marked these milestones with a special family night out on the town at the exclusive La-Ronde, a sky-high revolving restaurant that overlooks Edmonton’s downtown and beautiful river valley.

Speaking of career milestones, Brent also set a major one this year. He was honored by his professional association with a “Professional Achievement Award” for 25 years of outstanding contributions to the Physical Therapy profession. He has served as president of the association, been a member on several boards and committees, and has demonstrated ongoing excellence in clinical care and professional development.

GOLD MILESTONE:

We celebrated Mom and Dad Kassian’s 50th wedding anniversary milestone this year - family and friends gathered under the “big tent” to mark the occasion. The only real glitch was that the big tent blew over into the neighbor’s yard during a storm in the middle of the night, causing some last minute panic and work. But we managed to dry everything off and patch up the tent in time for the party.

SILVER MILESTONE:

Brent and I also reached a relationship milestone this year. Twenty five years of marriage! The two of us spent a romantic evening back at La Ronde and reminising through old pictures and memories. Brent surprised me with a gorgeous “friendship” ring (white & yellow diamonds- white, yellow & pink gold.) It’s very spectacular & unique. We’ll continue our celebration into 2008 as we head off for a trip to the Mayan Riviera and then celebrate with a family get-together in May or June when Matt finishes his hockey season.

WHITE MILESTONE:

White Gold. White Diamond. The day afer our 25th anniversary, Clark popped the big question and is now engaged to a wonderful, beautiful young woman, Jaqueline. Wedding is planned for August of 2008. Looks like I’m finally going to get some girls in this family!

GLAD & SAD MILESTONES:

Not all milestones are easy or pleasant. Some are sad and difficult. This year, we said goodbye to my brother’s wife, Elizabeth, who died at the age of 49. She is in a better place, but we miss her quick smile and laughter. Another sad milestone is the five year anniversary of our Christmas Eve car accident. I have struggled so much with back and neck pain in the past five years, and a few weeks ago had to endure the stress of a court trial, as the insurance company was slow to offer settlement, and refuses to acknowledge that my injuries affect my capacity to work. Judgment may take up to a year, and appeals are always a possibility. I would dearly love to mark the end of this difficult challenge, so I would appreciate your prayers in this regard.

CHRISTMAS MILESTONE:

Christmas is my favorite time of year. My German heritage has taught me to celebrate “advent” for each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Eve. My house is decorated with garlands, poinsettas, Christmas arrangements, wreaths, and Nativity Scenes. This Christmas we are leaving the snow and familiarity of home to celebrate in Houston with Matt and with Brent’s sister & husband. It will be a different environment for us, but we are looking forward to being together. Each Christmas is a milestone marking the most significant event in history - the “advent” of Immanuel, which means “God with Us.” Each year we mark off another Christmas milestone to remember this amazing gift. I am so grateful that the Son of God, Jesus, came to be “with us.” As we mark the glad and the sad milestones of our lives, he is always there.

May your Christmas and the coming year be filled with “Glad Tidings of Great Joy!”