When 2024 began, I chose DELIGHT as my word of the year. Rereading my original post, I forgot about the story of my nephew using the word “delightful” with me. It makes me smile to think that he inspired my word choice. Looking back on this year now, as we near the end, I also know that I was prepared for some of the hard things that were coming this year. Sadly, I could not have predicted how hard 2024 would be for me. But somehow, I knew that I would need the reminder to find the small joys, the daily delights, to help me get through some seriously hard stuff. During my blog birthday post, I found a lot of DELIGHTS from the first half of this year.

During the last 12 months, my father was diagnosed with lymphoma, had back surgery, and began chemotherapy. Then I had to put my cat Callie down, at the young age of 8, due to significant health concerns. We spent 7 months by my father’s side as he battled cancer, at 81 years old, like a warrior. One of my greatest delights during that time was the many hours he and I sat together, talking, sharing memories, asking him about his childhood, hearing about his entire career and the work he was proud of, and watching our old family movie, When Harry Met Sally, together. Despite his herculean efforts, the cancer beat him and my father passed away on July 26, 2024.

During the weeks and months of grief after that, we sadly lost an aunt, also to cancer, and a family friend we considered an uncle. By the time I got through the Celebration of Life for my father and my first birthday on earth with neither of my parents alive, I thought I had seen the end of the hardships, at least for this year. Then some significant bumps came my way at work and finally the 2024 election hit.

Wow. What a year. When I look back at all the hard things, it’s almost impossible to see the bright side. However, I truly think having the word DELIGHT helped me through these times. Despite continued heartbreaks, grief, and trauma, there are elements of my life that brought me delight this year. I was blessed to still be able to travel this year. The Galapagos Islands was one of my most spectacular vacations EVER, and Panama was a joyful friend vacation. I was able to see many concerts, including my 25th NKOTB event! I spent time with friends, family and friends who are family. I read a lot of great books. I work with incredible people and am inspired by my colleagues and our community. My brother still cooks for us almost every week. I rode many miles on my Peloton and walked many miles near the bay and the beach. I caught some spectacular sunsets. I meditated for over 100 days in a row. In fact, I developed such a habit that I only accidentally skipped meditation on 4 days over the last 5 months, which is delightful to me.

While 2024 wasn’t exactly what I imagined, nor what I wanted, I am still here and stronger because of it. I am looking forward to turning 50 in 2025 (I love the alignment in those numbers!). I am looking forward to good work I’m proud of, travels with friends and family, closure in some ways, and new beginnings. I hold both fears and hopes inside. I am grateful for how DELIGHT stayed with me this year. I look forward to finding my next word.