Today is Thursday, January 2nd and I’m inspired to write a 2024 reflection. I wasn’t sure if I had the heart to write one this time, but I do want to look back on the past year, and also lay out some goals for this new year 2025. Regardless of where life takes us, we have to move forward and life must go on, and I know there are many things to look forward to. Just need to release some emotions from the past to help me move forward and give me the strength to keep going.
As others reflect about the great things from this past year, 2024 was a very sad year for me. It was the year that my dog Marley got cancer and passed away, and honestly, it was the next hardest thing for me after my dad passed away when I was younger. I know not everyone understands, other pet owners will, but relationships with dogs or other animals are so special. Although they can’t speak to us, they are always there for us no matter what, and they are always there to provide comfort during both good and bad times. Marley always made me feel calm because he was the sweetest and calmest dog. To this day, people still tell me how much they miss him because he was just the sweetest dog ever and I was so thankful to have been his owner. There were times in the past when I couldn’t sleep, and then I decided to put Marley in my bed with me and then I was able to sleep. He also came with me to many places, and I spent a lot of time with him after I moved back to my mom’s house after I moved back to CA from NY. He also had the best smile and lit up every room he came into and everyone loved him so much.
I wish dogs lived as long as humans, but unfortunately, they don’t and we just have to accept that. I’m thankful that Marley had a very good life and we had so many adventures together, especially within the last 4 years. I will miss him forever, but I know that I have to move on and he would want me to as well.
I haven’t told everyone yet, but I actually got a new puppy a month ago =). I will post a picture of him sometime soon. His name is Billy Jack and he’s been such a blessing, and he is Marley’s son lol. Not truly his son (Marley didn’t have any children) but in my heart, he is Marley’s son and they look so similar, and I feel like he brings back a part of Marley and that makes me happy. I called Marley ‘puppy’ his whole life so I thought it would be good to have an actual puppy lol. Also felt like my time with my Marley was short – he was our family dog for the past 17 years, but I got closest to him during the past 4 years and spoiled him and became his main owner. So felt like it was right to adopt Billy Jack and I fell in love with him right when I saw him.
Billy Jack is 6 months old and he has filled my heart again <3. No one will ever replace Marley, but I’m so glad to have found his son and we always tell Billy Jack stories about Marley, and he is continuing his legacy. Again, life must go on and I’m thankful that Marley sent me the perfect little puppy <3.
Other things that happened in 2024 – unfortunately in November Peter’s dad went to the hospital, and now he is in hospice care. It’s been a really hard time for Peter’s family, but I’ve been trying my best to be there for them as much as I can. Also within the same month, unfortunately, Peter also got into a car accident and his car got totaled. He and his mom were driving back home after visiting his dad in the hospital, and someone speeding hit Peter’s car from the back which caused his car to spin out and then they hit the side of the road. Luckily they were okay and not injured at all, but basically his car was totaled and he had to get a new car, along with handling everything happening with his dad. Again, I tried to be as supportive and helpful as I could, and offered to use my car while he was figuring out his car situation. Thankfully his niece also let him borrow an extra car they had, and he borrowed it for 2 weeks until he was able to get a new car. He used his niece’s car to drive to work since we live nearby, and we used my car to drive long distance to SJ. So thankful that it all worked out and he got a new car by the end of that month.
Unfortunately the year did not end on a good note, but I know we need to be thankful for all of the blessings that we still have. Peter’s dad is in hospice, but fortunately he is still with us and Peter and his family visit as much as they can. We still got to spend Christmas and New Year with my family and was glad to still have those happy moments to end the year.
Although there was a lot of sadness in 2024, there was still a lot of happiness that I was thankful to have been a part of. A few of my good friends got married and it was so special to have attended their weddings and also the bachelorette trips. Also celebrated some of my nieces and nephew’s birthdays, and some of my nieces were also born this year <3. Then also celebrated my birthday with friends and family, and Peter and I also moved into a bigger apartment at the beginning of the year ❤️.
I ended up canceling my work trip to Europe since Marley passed, but I was still able to see my team during our work trip to LA in September. Also got to visit NY twice, and thanks to Christine for allowing me to stay over at her place both times <3. Also went to Hawaii at the beginning of the year, and still took a few SoCal trips. And the bachelorette trips I attended were really fun since we traveled to Puerto Vallarta and Miami, and also had a family trip to Lake Tahoe during the summer.
Many things to still be grateful for, and I continue to be thankful for all of my close friends and family who keep me going throughout my life <3. Looking forward to making more memories this year, and continuing to grow into a better person. Blessings to everyone in 2025 ❤
Carolyn 💜
Carolyn Grace 