2025, You Were A Good Year

 Before we press into a new year, I love looking back at the previous year. I don’t want to miss an opportunity to reflect on God’s goodness before saying goodbye to the memories of 2025.

 

It was a good year for me overall. There were heartbreaking moments, but that’s just part of living in a fallen world with broken people. I’m thankful for good health, a loving family, friends that love and support me, and a church where I serve and grow in my relationship with Christ.

 

Cindy, Katy, Laura
- The Cove

I was able to attend the Asheville Christian Writer’s Conference again in February with my dear friends, Katy and Laura. That weekend in February is sacred time for me. It helps me reset and redefine my goals for writing and gives me time to actually write uninterrupted. This year, I met with Andrea Merrell, who agreed to edit my book. She was excellent to work with and also provided great resources to complete my book for publication.

 

We traveled to Breckenridge, Colorado in March with Andy and his family. We played in the snow, skied, visited a train museum, climbed to the top of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, ate yummy food, and spent quality time as a family. Leaving my luggage at the car rental place didn’t even put a damper on our vacation.

In Colorado

 

Earl and I traveled to Ohio to visit my Aunt Lorse, my mom’s younger sister. I hadn’t seen her in fourteen years. I also visited with her son, Bobby, who I hadn’t seen in nearly 50 years. We had a wonderful time of catching up and reminiscing on memories long forgotten. We left her home and traveled north to Lake Eerie where we spent a few days sitting by the water enjoying sunshine and cooler temps.

 

Life wouldn’t be normal without a few heartaches. In October, Andy’s thirteen-year-old dog, Beau, had to be put to sleep after a few months of failing health. Beau was a special dog – tenderhearted and sensitive. For the first few years of his life, he came to stay with me during the day while Andy worked. He comforted me during some of my darkest days, gently licking my tears as they fell down my cheeks. He’d sit beside me while I lay on the sofa and place a paw across my arm. Once, he even crawled on the sofa covering me with his body. I will never forget him for the way he knew when I needed him most. He will forever be missed when I pull into Andy and Morgan's driveway and silence greets me at the door.

Beau

 

2026 will probably be the year my sixteen-year-old cat, Livvy, meets the same fate as Beau. She's now blind and spends most days circling the house from room to room in a stupor. She allows me to hold her like a baby, which she never did before. I will cherish the time I have left with her remembering all her little quirks and the way she prefers me over anyone else.

 

 

The Broken Road, A Journey to Healing was published in October and is one of the greatest blessings of my life. I will never get over God’s goodness and faithfulness in guiding me in the process. The highlight of my year was the book signing/celebration Andy and Morgan hosted at my church in November. Everything was perfect from the food and flowers, to the tiniest detail in decorations and special touches. I felt loved and celebrated.

 

And to round out the ending of 2025, my husband sold our family business of thirty-seven years and officially retired. He’s already making plans though for the days he’ll go in and work for the new owner, Josh, who’s been an employee for twenty-two years. He also has big plans for fishing trips, woodworking projects, and time with me.

 

As I age, I see the circle of life unfold before me. I’m thankful for my precious grandchildren who bring so much joy, laughter, and love to our lives. God is good and faithful and whatever is ahead of us in 2026, we know He will already be there. His love is better than life and we’re secure in the future He’s planned for us.

 

Many blessing to you and your family in 2026!