2025 has arrived like a shitstorm. LA seems to be burning up, and though the fires are far away from us, thank goodness, the emotional impact is still there. It’s like a collective holding of our breath waiting for the other shoe to drop as our world is on fire.

But life, as always, goes on.

We lost a good friend recently and attended a memorial service this past weekend. Memorial services for me mean a time to reflect on all the people I’ve lost in my life and revisit memories of them. It’s sad and bittersweet and lovely, all rolled into one big emotional ball. Life goes by so quickly and we never know how long we’ll have with somebody (or they’ll have with us) so treasure every moment, however small and inconsequential and never forget to let people know how much they matter to you. You literally have no idea how long you’ll have that chance.

What’s been going on other than memorial services?  We spent Thanksgiving with family back East then returned to the Bahamas for a week. It was lovely! Chuck continued his volunteer work and attended and spoke at conferences in Niagara Falls and Montreal. I’m still plugging away at my recovery, building my strength and confidence back up. I’m getting there but it’s a process. We’re looking forward to a trip to Ireland in April. My first big adventure post-elbow surgery.

I find myself right now at a loss for words both written and spoken. I’m looking for the positive but it can be hard to find that peace. I am not by nature an optimistic person but here I am at the dawn of 2025 hoping for the best for me, for the country, for the world.