It’s been quiet on the blog this week, though behind the scenes it’s still a busy place here at Feisty Frugal & Fabulous. I’m lining up posts for next week, a larger project debuting in January, and planning a trip at the end of the month to Walt Disney World with the family. Yes, while we celebrate the holidays and take pause to reflect, it seems the world, and this blog, just keep spinning.
I’m looking at 2015 with – for the first time – a bit of hesitation. Typically I look forward to the new year for the promise, opportunity and excitement it presents. This year, I can’t help but feel like I’m leaving someone behind.
A year ago today I posted a photo on Instagram of myself with my dad in the hospital where he was staying yet again battling another complication of cancer. He came home shortly after, for some time, but 2014 brought more hospital visits until his final one in August. I lost my dad to cancer on August 30th.
I’ve been blessed to have some beautiful people in my life who have cared for me gently, checked in often, and found ways to lift my spirits when they sensed I was struggling. I’m not depressed (I don’t think?) but I’m working through bereavement. I have some amazing days and celebrate life, and have moments like today where I work to get through.
2015 will be amazing. It will be the first year my dad did not exist on this earth but I suppose in a sense he still does. As my kids and his other grandkids (and great grandkids, one of which was born just yesterday!) walk forward, he too walks forward as well. I have to remind myself of that and live with purpose, live the life that he made possible for me.
Happy New Year my friends, thank you for coming along for the ride with me since 2009. Here’s to 2015!
You made me cry, beautifully written. 2015 will be a wonderful, if sometimes reflective. It’s what happens. Anytime you need an ear I’m here.
awe LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy new year to you and your family <3
Happy New Year Tenille. I too lost a parent this year. I lost my Mom in March. It has been a difficult year but I know that my Mon would want me to start the New Year with love, hope, kindness and strength. Not to speak out of turn but with everything I have read on your blog… I am sure your Father wants the same for you. I am a bit shy and don’t comment often but I love and read your blog posts all the time. I wish the very best for you and your beautiful family in 2015.
Hi Christina!
Thank you for commenting – don’t be shy (I certainly am not!) I really appreciate your words. I’m so sorry to hear about your mom…
Happy New Year Tenille! All the best in 2015 for you and your family!
Warm wishes to you and your family, Tenille, for health and happiness in 2015! Thank you for sharing your life with us ……what you share resonates with many of us.
Thank you Brenda I *so* appreciate hearing that!
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Happy New Year to you & your family!
Wishing you and your family all the best for 2015! This post brought tears to my eyes – stay strong and know that indeed, time does heal all wounds.
That’s what I’m told…
My Mom is 80 and battling pancreatic cancer. She is in her second round of chemo, having gone through chemo and radiation for a few months last spring.
If we are celebrating Christmas with Mom next year it will be a miracle. We are hopeful. She is committed to beating it. Only time will tell.
It’s tough facing this. Thank you for reminding me that I am not alone.
I wish you all the best for the coming year.
Oh boy two rounds of chemo at 80 is just so unfair Colleen! She sounds like a mighty strong woman. We counted each Christmas starting with 2010 as one that could be our last together, we had more than we worried we would so I’m blessed to have that. Thinking of you.
Thanks Tenille. It is tough to watch. She is so small now, just 86 pounds…she was as low as 81 pounds at one point. But she is stubborn and that is working for her. Making plans for all the things she wants to do this year and planning Christmas 2015 already. She is determined. And that is a good thing. Hugs to you Tenille. An all the best to your family.
Happy New Year to you and your family. This was such a lovely written post and I wish you the very best for 2015!
Beautiful and very touching post! I wish you and your beautiful family all the very best for 2015 & always xx <3
Love you to bits. Happy New Year, I know you’ll make it a great one.