This has been a challenging year. I began the year living in an assisted living facility where I came down with pneumonia while recovering from heart-bypass surgery. Recovery has been very slow, but still improving. My sweetheart, Lynn, was in hospice, finally succumbing to dementia in July. Then my beloved sister-in-law Donna passed away suddenly December 1. With that said, I feel blessed to have so many wonderful and beautiful memories with these exceptional women who were so important in my life.

These two beautiful people had to leave this earthly life. Our lives were enriched by them being here.
Donna DeAnn Elson 1955 - 2025		Dorothy Lynn Irving 1938 - 2025

Because I’m not able to travel yet, my son, Mike, and his family have visited me several times this year. We always have a nice visit over a meal at a favorite restaurant. Granddaughter, Grace, is busy with her career and a hobby that is close to my heart – photography. My grandson Jack is a volunteer at his church and is a church musician. He is busy with his job and helps out at a local hospital. My youngest grandson, Wyatt, is attending the local community college. Grace and Jack did very well in college and Wyatt is following in their footsteps doing well in the same school. I must give their supermom, Cindy, credit for doing a great job preparing them for college.

I want to give a special “Thank you” to Lynn’s son, Mark, and daughter, Carol, for the wonderful work they did honoring their mother’s wishes to take her final journey at home. And thank you to two women care givers Tiola and Nane (NAW nee). They gave Lynn the same loving care they would have given their own mother. We were so blessed to have them with us. Both have become like family to us.

Lynn would be very pleased with the "Celebration of Life" Mark and Carol put together for her. Friends and family came together to share stories of time with Lynn over the years. The love in the room reflected Lynn’s life and positive impact she had on the ives of so many people. Carol had written a story of her mother’s life that she read to us with joyful comments. I enjoyed listening to the many fun and happy stories of Lynn’s life.

Once again, I step into an unknown future, however, after doing so several times in my life with wonderful results, I look forward to the journey. Now is the time to celebrate the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year
and Happy Holidays to All