A Fond Farewell

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As 2024 peeks around the corner, the optimist in me hopes for a kinder, gentler year ahead. After all, this year arrived with its fair share of Goliath-sized mountains to climb. Only a few weeks into 2023, Dad passed away. COVID-19 flanked our family, making me so ill I missed his funeral. Friends and loved ones visited the hospital a lot this year, and some are no longer here to see 2023 end. And, when the autumn leaves began taking over our yard, a health concern found me lying on a biopsy table.

Yet, this year also brought mountaintops, blessed moments of rest and joy after navigating life’s ups and downs. Hubby and I celebrated our 25th anniversary. Our kiddos are healthy and holding their own, in and out of school. Gatherings found us surrounded by love and joy with family and friends. That health scare I had? Thank God, I’m A-okay. And just this week, Hallmark Mahogany featured my writing as a guest post.

As the youngins say, life be lifing. But, it’s still life. And, this year often reminded me that life is such an incredible gift. Understanding this is how Dad could genuinely say on Day 3 of hospice, “I’m blessed. We’re blessed.” He knew, and was forever grateful, that life itself is a blessing. And especially because he’s now flying high with Mom, I’m clinging to the wisdom in his words a little tighter as this year passes the baton to the next.

So, farewell, 2023. Even when it hurt, thank you for reminding me of how precious life is, each day. You made me climb some rugged mountains that brought me to my knees … and, you lifted me back up with mountaintop moments that brought greater peace, strength, and gratitude for God’s blessings in my life. Because of you, this is my warrior song* as I look to the new year ahead.

2024, you’ve got next.
xoxo

* I do not own the rights to this song. I just adore it.

15 thoughts on “A Fond Farewell”

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  2. Karin Lukas-Cox

    Thank you again for this lovely note! I hope you have arrived well in 2024. I hope it is a year with heartiness and health – and no health scares! Lots of love Karin!

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    1. stretch&grow Post author

      My friend from so far away! Thank you so much as always for reading and for your caring spirit. I send my happiest new year wishes to you and hope you and your loved ones are all well.

      Honestly, 2024 has arrived with a bit of a chip on its shoulder here (ugh!), but I’m holding onto hope that it will only go up on a high, lovely note soon. My next post will undoubtedly reflect on it. 🙂 Hugging you from across the miles, xoxo

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    1. stretch&grow Post author

      Thank you sincerely for your kind words! Your comments are literally an answer to my prayer – to lift others, pure and simple. May God continue to bless and keep you in 2024 … and thank you again!

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  7. kuji08

    Love this so much, Karin. Thank you for helping me reflect on my own year. I am ever grateful that you were a special part of it. Here’s to 2024!🤎♥️

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  8. Cassandra Houston

    I truly LOVE your words you pen on paper Karin 😌🥰I love you dearly and look forward to what 2024 brings to you and our entire family.. 🤎🤎✨

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