Good Bye 2024

 

12/31/24

To say 2024 was a year I don’t want to repeat would be an understatement. 

It all started a year ago when I fought and struggled to get Mom to get off the couch and to the bathroom. She kept thinking she had gone. And kept saying she needed to rest before getting up. And she just couldn’t stand up. She promised me after we had dinner that she would. Jessica and I had a whole text conversation about it.  It was the beginning of the 3 month end. 

I’ve dealt with a lot since then. Some days are a bigger struggle than others. But through it all, I know God is watching over me. 

Yes, there has been a lot of sadness and pain, both physical and emotional. But there have been some positives amid all that. 

I celebrated 25 years of full-time employment at Marist. I started a certification program in worship leadership. I found joy and solace in singing. I returned to Annual Conference. I went to Cape Cod, New York Comic Con, and Lancaster County. I adjusted to working from home while caring for Dad. And I adjusted to sleeping with Sparkle, who sometimes likes to hog up my bed.

I learned about family and friends and friends who are like family. And I valued all those relationships because they are the ones who got me through this year. And that will help me get through 2025. 

I argued in my head for a while whether or not to do our usual New Year’s dinner. Because it was the last real meal Mom ate (and enjoyed!). And I wasn’t sure I could do it. But tomorrow I will be making our usual meal. I’ll have a friend over to share in the meal with Dad, Jessica, Alex, and possibly Anastasia. And start to make new memories to help ease the pain of the old ones. 

Have a Happy New Year!