2023 in Review

I always appreciate the opportunity at the end of a year to look back and reminisce about the type of year it has been. I always hear people saying it was a “bad year” or it was a “good year” but I’m now seasoned enough to know that no year is all one thing or the other.

2023 was a year that saw many of my friends experience tremendous losses – moms, dads, grandparents, spouses, friends, and pets. In my own family we dealt with a significant loss of a core family member. We spent a lot of time reminiscing this Christmas about the way we had spent last Christmas with Grandma Paula (my mother-in-law) and that it doesn’t seem real that she is no longer here with us.

2023 was the year of the empty nest for me. I experienced that as a very strong loss. It came right on the heels of the funeral, and I was not prepared for how hard this adjustment was for me. This was the first time in my adult life that I was now living alone, and the silence overwhelmed me at times. I’m grateful for the dog who provided company when sometimes the nights felt quite lonely.

Of course, the fact that I am now an empty nester means my amazing kids are off being amazing. My daughter turned 21 and is in her last few semesters of college and my son turned 18 and is a college freshman. I’m now the proud mom of bicoastal college kids!

I had some health challenges as usual this year. Since my diagnosis of MS 17 years ago I live with health issues that are sometimes more annoying than others. This year I had the very dramatic experience of fainting mid-flight. It’s interesting to know it happens just like you see on tv “We are asking everyone to remain seated when the plane lands so that the paramedics can come on board”. Luckily, there appears to be nothing wrong – just getting older, maybe.

I also discovered I was intolerant of dairy. I’ve spent 2023 being annoyed with this nugget of information and grumbling how much I miss cheese. But truthfully, I have adapted ok and have begun to find some replacements for my old favorites. I made the decision to also give up caffeine. Those who know me know that I adore Pepsi, so this is no easy task for me. I’m now 3 months largely caffeine free and the only real temptation I’ve had is a Coke Slurpee from 7/11.

Towards the end of 2022 I started this blog for no reason other than I enjoyed writing to process my thoughts and feelings. I was excited to actually have my first piece “Sports Mom no More” published on the grown and flown webpage. I also has 2 other pieces shared by the President of the university I work at with her blog audience: A Traffic Stop and Early College Academy.

I rediscovered my love of reading this year. in 2022 I managed to read only 9 books. This year I set a goal of 24 and was able to actually read or listen to 46 books. I now prioritize my reading time.

Altruism remains an important part of my identity. The Angel Tree project I coordinate each year brings me tremendous joy and I was so grateful for all the support I received again this year that helped us to provide gifts for 265 angels and another 15 kids in the community. I completed my training to be a foster care special advocate in July, but I am still waiting for my first assignment. I am looking forward to what that role will bring.

I started a sabbatical from work in May and I thought I would be bored. Instead, I find I am enjoying the slower pace of my days and the chance to do nothing at time. I am sure I will enjoy returning to work but for now I am enjoying the lack of a commute and no time pressured agenda.

Despite some of the many sadnesses that 2023 brought it also brought awareness of my many blessings. I am surrounded by love, and for that I am forever grateful. I have fantastic children, a significant other I adore, the best family any girl could belong to, a career I love, and a network of truly amazing friends. I am grateful to have my Jamaica high school crew, my book club sisters, my work wives and Sistah circle, neighbors and all the other people in my corner. The thing that I have learned is that come what may on any given day, being surrounded by people who love me is what truly matters!

Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy, Peaceful & Prosperous 2024!