A Year of Change, Challenge, and Grace
I’m honestly in awe of how fast time flies these days. Back in the 1980s, when I was living in California, I remember a DJ on the radio once said:
“Life is like a roll of toilet paper—the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.”
At the time, I laughed. Now? It hits a little deeper. It feels very true.
The first part of 2024 was all about regrouping. I was on the job hunt, looking to supplement my income so I could enjoy a few extras without financial stress. Social Security is a blessing, and I’m grateful for it—but without it, things would be very tight.
In late April, I started a new chapter—returning to work as a bank teller at a bank in Beaver Dam. Of all the roles I’ve had over the years in banking, the teller position has always been my favorite. It was heartening to be valued for my experience and supported in learning the new tech I needed to thrive in the role.
But let me tell you, balancing full-time work, solo homeownership, and caring for my sweet fur baby Quincy wasn’t easy. I quickly realized I had to simplify. That meant saying “no” to anything that drained more than it gave. First on the chopping block? My backyard flower garden. I’ve loved it for years, and I know I’ll return to it, but this past summer, I stuck to porch planters: small joys, manageable effort, and a sense of completion.
My sister Sandy was walking her own hard path. Her husband Art’s health was declining, and she became his caregiver. It was a season of adjustment for both of us—learning to carry what used to be shared.
Sadly, our year ended with the passing of my brother-in-law, Art. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 30, 2024. As is often the case in close families, we all came together to grieve, remember, and celebrate his life. Each of us had our own story, our connection to him—husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and beloved brother-in-law. The memories are many, and they are cherished.
Here’s to honoring what we can carry, letting go of what we can’t, and making peace with life as it comes—season by season.
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