Reflecting on 2024
Sustained and thankful
I find myself frequently looking back at “this day” one year ago and marveling at all that can transpire in the span of a mere 365 days. I do this all year long, not just on December 31st.
Like the rest of the world, I’m here on this last day of the year in awe of how much one year can hold.
2024 held so much change for our family that looking back honestly feels overwhelming. It’s like looking into someone else’s life because the first 6 months were so difficult and a total whirlwind of emotion and activity.
The Lord sustained us. He carried us. He gave us the grace we needed every step of the way. And on this last day of the year I’m tired and I’m thankful.
2024 held transition, change, health trials, grief, joy, excitement, new adventures, saying goodbye. I guess, it held….life.
We often choose a word as we head into the new year. How often do the words we choose need to be modified?
I don’t remember if I had a word for 2024, but if I had to choose one now that I know what the year looked like, I’d choose the word Sustained.
I’m pondering this as I stare out my office window into the backyard. On this day last year, I didn’t know what my new backyard would look like. We had the sell of a home ahead of us. We had the process of finding an area to live in in a new state.
As the calendar turned, we had only known for 2 weeks a move was ahead of us. By January 2nd Steve began his new job in Tennessee and spent 4 months flying back and forth, living out of suitcases and hotels, running a crazy pace.
In January we graduated Zachary early from high school one weekend then the very next weekend we moved him and Jacob into an apartment in Omaha in a blizzard! The goal was to be near as they transitioned into living on their own before the rest of us moved to TN.
In February I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had my last day as campus director for our hybrid homeschool.
In March I had a lumpectomy.
In April said many goodbyes and we moved to Tennessee.
In May we explored, hiked, and traveled. But with 3/5 of our family. Hard.
In June we moved into our new home in TN and I began radiation.
In July I finished radiation and we took a trip to Omaha to visit the boys. We stopped at Lake of the Ozarks on the way back home to spend a few days with some of our dearest friends. The month was filled with houseguests and Opry visits.
In August Jacob and his girlfriend visited Nashville. My sister’s family visited.
In September Steve and I celebrated 24 years of marriage. And more visits from friends and family!
In October Andrew and I drove 24 hours roundtrip to visit the boys for 48 hours. And Steve and I took a weekend beach getaway after having to cancel our dream vacation to Ireland due to cancer. It was amazing.
In November the boys and their girlfriends came to TN for Thanksgiving. Andrew turned 16 and the boys were here for it! And more precious friends coming to visit!
December was a whirlwind that ended with one final trip for the boys to come spend the holidays with us.
And here we are. Deep sigh. I feel like I’m coming into 2025 a little wearied, a little tired. But so incredibly grateful.
Life is something isn’t it?
What would your 2024 lookback word be? Did you have a 2024 word?
What are your hopes and dreams for 2025?
I have so many dreams for the future. Always have been a dreamer sort of gal. I hold these loosely. 2024 taught me to truly cherish life. Not take a moment for granted. It’s all a gift.
And on this last day, I want you to know you are a gift to me. I’m grateful for every single reader. The ones who’ve been with me for 16 years and the ones who are brand new. I write because of you. So thank you for being here.
May the Lord bless the closing of your year and the opening of the new.
Happy New Year!