Happy Holidays Everyone

This holiday season finds us at home. Dominic came home from Subiaco mid-semester and is at home attending Fayetteville High School. Northwest Health System eliminated Michael’s whole department and he is at home being commodore and full-time Dad. Me, you ask? I’m still working at Siloam Springs in the ED. I guess it’s partially home now after 13 years.
We find ourselves on the cusp of change though. Dominic is a little over a year from graduation from high school. He’s still trying to contemplate what life after high school will bring for him. Michael is dreaming of a bigger boat and blue water. We are plotting, planning, and visualizing that dream. The hospital is the process of acquisition and the future holds some uncertainty.
Earlier this year, we ventured forth from the cozy confines of home. We visited the BVI again in the spring; it was beautiful. Each time we go to the BVI we find new beauty and adventure. We actually got caught in some blue water swells that tested our nerve and sailing skills. You can find the video on YouTube by searching “Mangione and BVI” or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3aCBc9u-og. We traveled with Jimmie and Sue White, also from Northwest Arkansas. It was a great time for making friends and new memories.
Then before the summer ended, we traveled to Aruba. Aruba is much farther south than we have previously ventured. This desert Caribbean island certainly is the play ground of the wealthy. So we swam with the locals, went off road riding, and looked for sailboats. Being away sometimes makes you appreciate home more. In contrast, travel to the BVI feels like home.
This upcoming year is hard to anticipate for us. Who knows what it will bring? We however hope that it brings love and a home filled with happiness and security to you and your family. We hope friends are near and bad times are banished.
Wishing you the happiness of the holidays and a fantastic new year!
Robin, Michael, and Dominic