Welcoming a New Year with Gratitude

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Happy New Year! I cannot believe how quickly another year has arrived. Last year was not an easy one, but it was also filled with so many beautiful moments. God is so good, even in the hard seasons.

One of the biggest blessings this past year was reconnecting with my old church. I met some new friends who invited me back, and the moment I walked in, it felt like coming home. That sense of belonging and faith has meant more to me than I can put into words.

I am incredibly thankful for the family and friends who have stepped in to help me get everywhere I need to go. Losing the ability to drive has been a huge adjustment, but it has also shown me just how loved I am. I am especially grateful for the friends who take me horseback riding. Being with horses truly feels like heaven on earth to me.

I am also so thankful for the people who call and text just to check in and see how I am doing. Those small moments of connection mean everything. I am blessed by the friends who make sure I can still do the things I love, like volunteering with Infinite Friends. It is a group of adults with disabilities who meet weekly to do activities together in Orangevale, and it brings me so much joy. This summer, we even went to Santa Cruz for camp, and I loved every minute of it.

I had the opportunity to travel this summer! First my cousin Chris came down and stayed with us for the week and we worked on getting stuff done around the house and then we also went and did our favorite things! We went to grassvalley and Nevada city for the day and she loved it! We also went on the boat! Then we drove back to Oregon to her house and went to the pix, and the carousel! Then drove to her mom's new house in Friday harbor! We had the best time ever! We went to one of the islands, and we went ocean kayaking, and we went shopping and explored all the places! It was absolutely beautiful

I also had the opportunity to go to Florida and visit with my aunt Lynda! I stayed for two weeks! I went to the movies with my cousin and got pedicures! Then we drove to st Augustine for the week at the condo we always stay in. It's so beautiful there and we get to spend lots of time with the family! 

This year has also brought some challenges. I have been struggling more with my cognitive abilities, so I now have a friend who comes on Mondays and Thursdays for four hours each day to help with meal prep and cleaning. I'm That support has been such a gift, especially since my husband already carries so much responsibility. It has made a big difference for both of us.

Even with everything going on, my husband and I still make time to enjoy what we love most. We go boating and paddle boarding whenever we can, because the water brings us so much peace. We also took our dog to the snow for the first time this year, and she absolutely loved it. She truly enjoys being part of all our adventures.

I am still meeting regularly with Dr Gates, and I am still not on any medication. I work on my brain exercises every day, stay focused on my diet, and take my vitamins. I feel really good being off medication, and I am proud of the work I am doing to care for myself.

Thank you to all of my family and friends for your love, support, and kindness. I am beyond blessed to have you in my life, and I look forward to seeing what this new year brings.

With so much gratitude and love 💙



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