2024 what a year
New Year, New Memories: A Personal Reflection
Reflections on New Year’s Eve and 2024: A Year of Challenges and Joys
As 2025 begins, I find myself reflecting on the whirlwind of a year that 2024 was. New Year’s Eve was a quiet and meaningful night spent with my husband, Shawn—a much-needed moment of peace to close out a challenging yet rewarding year.
One of the highlights of 2024 was a trip to Cleveland with our friend Amy to see Matt Rife live. It was such a fun experience filled with laughter and good company, one that I’ll always cherish. Shirts Amy and I had made.
The summer brought moments of tranquility as Shawn and I spent our days walking the dogs and taking them to the beach. There’s something so soothing about those simple, shared moments with our furry companions and each other.
Fall marked the beginning of some amazing ladies’ trips. Our first was a one-day adventure back to Cleveland, where we visited the iconic Christmas Story House and the Museum of Illusions. It was a day full of nostalgia and fun. Our second trip took us to Frankenmuth, Michigan, to explore Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland and the charming town itself. It was a long but incredibly worthwhile day, made even better by the company of wonderful ladies who are both current and past coworkers. Their positivity is something I’ll always treasure.
Of course, life wasn’t without its struggles. Our family faced a prolonged battle with our insurance company over storm damage to our home. While they didn’t cover as much as they should have, we managed to repair the house—albeit at our own expense. As soon as that ordeal ended, we faced another challenge: Shawn’s health. One day, he woke up in severe pain and struggled to move. Months later, he underwent surgery to repair his spine. It’s been a tough journey, but I’m grateful to see him regaining a new sense of normal. In all our years together, I’ve usually been the one dealing with health issues, so seeing him go through this was hard, but it also brought us closer.
On top of this, I had my own scare with breast cancer. With cancer running in my family, it was a terrifying experience. Thankfully, things are looking positive, and I’m hopeful for continued good news in the year ahead.
Amidst these challenges, there were also moments of pride and joy. Our son moved out for a new job with Rural King, settling two hours away with his fiancée, Willow. It’s been wonderful to see him adapting to his new life and responsibilities. Meanwhile, my youngest, Alyssa, has started her career as a hairstylist. She’s working hard to build her clientele, and I’m so proud of the passion she’s bringing to her new profession. I’m incredibly grateful for the mentors who have helped guide her into the world of hairstyling.
As I look ahead to 2025, my biggest hope is for peace and balance. I want to have a year that’s laid back, where I can focus not only on work and photography but also on taking care of myself. I’m already seeing improvements in some lingering health issues, and I’m optimistic about continuing down that path. More than anything, I want to prioritize downtime to avoid burnout and fully embrace the joys life has to offer.
Here’s to a fresh start in 2025—to health, happiness, and making space for the moments that truly matter.
