I'm feeling a little reflective this morning…2023 was hard. And sad. And sometimes even dreadful. But it also had some beautiful sparks of joy and light. Did the joy outweigh the sadness? Some days I’m still not sure, but despite it all, we kept waking up and facing each new day. Even when that seemed daunting. Isn’t that life?
Lucy graduated from high school and began a new (albeit very challenging) adventure at KU. Three cheers for a much better second semester…
We traveled - to Texas twice, and to Chicago. We saw a ton of live music here and in those places, and experiencing some of that with Zo was probably the highlight of my year. Watching them being brought to tears by their favorite artist reminded me of why we all need art so much.
We attended (and Gregg officiated) two weddings for dear friends. Proving to me once again that one can be skeptical or jaded about the sacrament of marriage and still have a deep sense of respect for those who are brave enough to take that leap. Also, that love is just a beautiful thing, and finding your person when you thought you might not is everything.
We lost three people this year who meant something deep and powerful to both of us. I first met my friend Andy at summer camp, and he stuck by me through 35 years of what life threw at us. Andy was the wise owl of my friend group, always knowing the right thing to say, sharing new music he’d found, or the right piece of advice for even the hardest situations. His absence in my life has left a gaping hole that can’t be filled. We lost our funny and incredibly talented friend Quan, who was Gregg’s friend and band mate first, but who, from the first time I met him, made me feel like we’d been old friends for a long time. And we lost our friend Jon Paul, who Gregg had known since he was a teenager. JP, or “Buddy” as most of us called him, was not only the most well-read person I’ve ever met - you never saw Buddy without a book in his hand - he was an incredible musician, a lover of animals (especially the ones that no one else would have) and one the funniest dudes I’ve known. All of these losses have hit both of us so hard. I don’t want to experience loss like that for a very, very long time, if ever again.
Gregg broke his leg in February, which is something only he can describe. All I can say is that it was hard, but his recovering here on a bed in my living room also showed us that we CAN live together, and that my jaded ass who said I’d never share my home with another adult could be proven wrong. Maybe we all just need each other more than we’ll ever admit. Hallelujah for being able to see where change is good and necessary.
I’m not sad to see 2023 take its leave. I may even do a hesitant little happy dance as it makes its exit. But I am ever thankful for what it has taught me: to never take anything for granted. To hug your friends, and to reach out when you’re thinking of them - you just don’t know when it might be the last time you can. To be open to change. It’s hard, but it’s what makes us grow as humans. And? To enjoy your children when they’re under your roof - even and maybe especially when those days and hours can be challenging. Soon they will be off making a life of their own, just like we all did. Circle of life, and such.
If you’re still here, thank you for reading this. I’m glad we are connected, in big or small ways. 🖤
