When 2024 began, it appeared that all but one thing would be status quo. The only change would be the birth of a new grandchild in April. That child, a boy, arrived as planned and immediately charmed everyone by being easy going.
For me, writing became complicated when my Sarah Blair series ended and a new book I wrote didn’t sell. But things worked out in the end. Because of time constraints, I concentrated on short stories. As of today, nine new ones are slated to appear in anthologies and periodicals in 2025, but that count will probably go up. A traditional publisher is also bringing out a collection of some of my older short stories. It should be available in February.
So, it appeared that 2024 would be an uneventful year, but things changed at the end of October. Out of the clear blue, my husband developed significant health problems beyond the movement issues associated the Parkinson’s that necessitated him using a walker for the past few years. He was in and out of the hospital and skilled rehab three times within five weeks. On November 5, with our four children and me with him, he peacefully passed away. Consequently, 2024 became the year that for any of us, things will never be the same in the future. Happily, we treasure the years we had with him and appreciate how we pulled together during those last few weeks (our kids flew or drove in and out of Birmingham constantly), so he knew how much he was loved.
Our road in 2024 ended in a manner none of us could have predicted last January, but now, as our family looks forward, they all join me in wishing you and yours a healthy, happy, prosperous, and uneventful 2025.
You’ve handled this so well, Debra. Wish I were close enough to give you a hug. Let’s hope for good things in 2025, including more publications!
I’m accepting even long distance hugs these days. Thanks for all of your support, Kaye! Anyone reading this, if you find yourself in my new position, Kaye has written an excellent short book, Handbook for the Widowed, which was a big help to me.
Such sad news about your husband, and I’m sure you treasure many happy memories–and there’s that sweet new grand baby to make new memories for all of the family. Move forward with joy.
Thank you. Making every effort to do so — and happily the kids and friends are making that easier.
Here’s another virtual hug, plus major congratulations on the nine plus stories to appear next year. Very best wishes to you and your family.
Thank you.
Here’s a giant virtual hug. Bless…
Thank you.
Many virtual hugs to you, Debra.
Thank you.
Hi Debra,
Blessings and prayers to you and your family.
Thank you.
Sending hugs.
Thank you.
So hard to lose someone who was greatly loved. Know that he is watching over you and sending love to you every day.
When my dear cousin passed, his family donated a park bench in his name. Now others can enjoy the view he loved. Other families have planted trees to have a visible sign that life goes on. Sounds like your family has that with joy of the new grand baby.
It’s the unexpected waves of grief that are painful. I still miss my grandmother, even though it’s been decades. She lives on in my heart.
Hugs
Thank you. Several trees have been planted in Joel’s memory, – and the baby is named for him. But you are right about the unexpected times – I’ve had those moments about my mom in the past….and now, a little more lives on in my heart.
Hugs…we do know how the most unexpected situations and events happen and change our lives forever.
Thank you. I know that you most definitely understand the impact and change that occurs.
I am sending hugs and many good wishes to you for the new year. My deepest sympathies on your loss.
Debra,
Thank you. Much appreciated.
Debra, I’m so sorry about your family’s terrible loss but glad everyone could come together and show Joel how much he was loved. Best wishes for a happier, productive 2025!
Sharon, thank you for your kind words. Looking forward to sharing in some of the good things I anticipate for you and your new book in 2025.
Debra,
I am very sorry for your loss. My dad passed away on May 14, 2024 of eye melanoma that spread to his liver. Like your family all of us (5 children) came together and supported each other. Hopefully 2025 will treat our families better,
Deborah,
I’m sorry to hear about your family’s loss. It sounds like it was horrible for you and your siblings. My condolences. May 2025 be much happier for all.
My Mom passed away from complications of Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 94 in July. It is such an awful disease. My thoughts are with you and your loss. We write to entertain others when they need an escape. Sometimes writing is also our escape when we need to move beyond the grief in our lives. Best wishes for a better 2025.
Sorry to hear about your mom – Parkinson’s is truly an awful disease in all of its various manifestations. Thank you for dropping me this note. May you and yours have a far better 2025, too.
Dear Debra,
Loss is so hard; my thoughts and prayers are with you. The time and care your children pulled together those last days is both a treasure and a tribute to your parenting.
Be well.
Thank you. The kids and kind thoughts and prayers from friends and extended family have made all the difference.
Dear Debra,
I have no words that could take away your pain. Please know that memories sustain and love never disappears.
Joanne,
Thank you…..
I know you wish it was otherwise, but you are a role model for moving forward. For sure there are days when living with intention is difficult, but you find a way to do it. Virtual hugs for everything 2024 threw at you, and damn girl… way to go on those short stories!
Thank you for the kind words and hugs. Not a role model, simply in survival mode.
Debra, you’re so wise. The new year is a good time to reflect on the unpredictability of the future, how our lives can turn on a dime–for better or worse. I love the way you count your blessings and find joy in the midst of sadness. You and your family are in my heart, and I wish you all good things in the new year.
Thank you.
You are a role model as a writer and mentor, now you are also showing us grace in the face of grief. My deepest sympathy and many virtual hugs. Carmen
Carmen,
Thank you for the kind words (not really a role model) and the virtual hugs.
Wishing you peace in 2025.
Thank you. Health and happiness to Elaine and you this year.
Virtual hugs, Debra, for you and all the family. Complications from Parkinson’s took my mom from us years ago. Your post was so correct; we never know what’s coming. Events can alter our lives so quickly.
It sounds as if you have family to be near, at least in spirt, in this tough holiday season. May 2025 be less eventful for you.
Claire,
Thank you for the hugs and kind words. Sorry you went through Parkinson’s with your Mom’s life and death. Not fun. Wishing you the best for 2025.
Debra, all your friends (me included!) send you loving thoughts as you begin a new year of significant loss and change. I know you will do as well as anyone could under these sad circumstances. And I’m glad you are still writing and engaged.
With love…
Thank you…. returning the love.
When one so dearly loved leaves us, the loss seems overwhelming. When my first-born son died in 2021, I could only think to thank the Lord for all the years I was able to touch and speak with him. We established a scholarship in his memory at the college who had honored him by electing him to their Sports Hall of Fame. My heart still aches for him, as it does for you in the loss of your husband. I am raising prayers for comfort in loving memories of your lives together.
Marilyn,
My heart goes out to you. As bad as losing Joel has been, it is part of the natural evolution of aging/life. I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child. I’m sure it never ends though you find means of comfort.