As we are reflecting on 2024, I can safely say that our year had more ups and downs than a roller coaster.
A few days after the new year, my Mom fell and broke her hip which kickstarted a series of health concerns, a surgery and a couple of hospital visits. She has just recently been feeling alright which has been a huge relief.
Unfortunately, Wyndi and I have lost several friends that passed (including one whose graveside service I was asked to officiate) as wellasWyndi’sgrandmother and my Aunt Gaye.
With the holiday rush and workload, I let an allergy infection go too long and it was decided it would be best for me not to go to my aunt’s funeral.
I got to read my cousin, James’ eulogy for his mother and was very touched, I’ll forever regret not being there for my Mom and family as she was laid to rest.
Offering my final piece to her, I can say Aunt Gaye was one of the most generous people I knew who enjoyed being in the company of others, was a devoted teacher and Christian and an avid animal lover who cherished the birds and cats she had as pets. Being a twin with my mother, she often spent weeklong trips at our house and I have a lot of great memories of these visits with her and my cousin, Alan.
It seems like it was a very good service and Wyndi’s grandma also got a beautiful service in July.
In spite of the loss, we had a lot of great moments, sharing time with close friends and family, sometimes because we were gathered for the funeral.
Wyndi and I also took a honeymoon trip in the summer which presented us with a lot of great food and memories.
This year perhaps more than any other in my life made me realize how precious the moments are we spend with the people we care about. I plan to embrace the opportunities that come up even in the midst of bad times.
Our time is truly what we make of it.