December 31

Way back when I was younger, I remember older, wiser folks waxing poetic on the passage of time. They told me that although our younger years seem to drag on at times --especially as we eagerly stretch our arms toward milestones that often seem frustratingly out of reach-- those days speed up as the years pass by. Although I'm still not particularly wise (nor old), I now agree with that observation because wow, how is it already New Year's Eve? Didn't I just now start remembering to write 2024 instead of 2023 on the paper checks I very occasionally write out? (The sad answer: yes.) Craziness. All craziness.

(Since I need a photo here, I'm using one of my girl and I --and Adam-- during our morning trip to Costco. It's always good to be out trolling the aisles with my peeps.)

 

It was a largely quiet and mostly uneventful year that was marked by mostly gentle ups and downs. A definitive down was saying goodbye to my grandma --my last remaining grandparent-- in February. But an upswing followed as we ventured back to Maryland to celebrate her remarkable life in May. Reconnecting --and laughing and eating ice cream and taking crazy group selfies-- with so much of my extended family was a huge blessing. I miss her and always will, but sharing stories of her love for all of us and for Jesus was good for my heart.

There was also plenty of baseball which provided social connection and many lessons about patience, and time with Adam's parents on beautiful Kaua'i in June. In July, Adam's dad and all six of his siblings (and some of their kids) gathered to celebrate his grandmother's birthday, and it was good that we did, because she --Adam's last remaining grandparent-- passed away on Halloween. November saw us fly back to Chicagoland to spend time with Abby (and watch her cheer at a football game -- go Thunder!) at Wheaton. And that was it for the travel log.

On the personal front, I continued on as an Elder at church; I don't think I'm particularly good at it, but I'm aiming to do the best I can in that role in 2025. I also crocheted a lot, both for the Prayer Shawl Ministry and to meet my own creative needs. (And I was rewarded with a great showing at the fair back home!)

Socially I continued last year's trend of lying low; I regularly connected with Terry and my other pals at the Mother Ship, had a few meet-ups with Nikki, saw my wonderful EGG girls for dinner, and attended Valerie's latest cookie party (which was a complete blast as always), but otherwise, my interactions with friends were limited. I'm not entirely sure why that is because I was once desperate to have a big group of sister-like friends I could rely on, but I think it stems from knowing --and truly believing-- that God will provide for me when I have a real need. My life is far from perfect --I miss my sweet Logan every single day-- but it's good and I'm blessed. I'm content hanging out at home with my husband and my amazing kids and I have no desire to chase anyone or force friendships. I guess that's one of the advantages of aging: finding genuine contentment in the way things are Right Now, regardless of the precise circumstances. I'm happy to have reached that particular Checkpoint of Adult Life.

So yes, that's my 2024 in a nutshell. It was a good year, and I'm thankful for the moments and the blessings and the ways that God further revealed Himself to me as the months passed by. Now... onto 2025.