It’s been 8 years since I founded The Manual Touch Physical Therapy. Traditionally, I write a year-end blog post, and the past couple of years it’s looking more like the annual family newsletter friends and family send around the holidays. I thank you in advance for allowing me this indulgence for sharing my favorite memories, favorite things, and some sadness as well.
Memories from 2018
1 – Drew and I making latkes for our annual family Hanukkah celebration
2 – The joy and laughter of navigating train schedules, multiple cabs, and below zero chicago weather to see “Beautiful” The Carole King musical with: 4 senior women; my mom and her friend, my mother in law, and my sister in law’s mother and 2 twentysomethings; my son, Drew, and my niece, Molly, myself and my sister in law, Jill.
3 – Seeing the electrifying brilliance of “Hamilton” with Drew, Steve, and my mom.
4 – Enjoying nature at weekly outings to the Botanic Garden w/ my mom, a visit to The Morton Arboreteum with Steve, and visiting Drew in Champaign to see the fall colors.
5 – So proud of Jenna’s new accomplishment – Jenna and her boss have moved to a new company where her boss is the new CEO of Savii and she took Jenna with her to be the Director of Business Development.
6 – Steve, his sister, Debrah, and I taking a road trip to Kansas City to bring Drew his race bike while at his summer internship with Garmin
7 – Leaving cold, Chicago weather to visit Jenna twice in Tampa
8 – The honor of being named vice president of the (SKF).
9 – Lunching with the PTs from my days at Lutheran General Hospital.
10 – Laughing a lot at the Museum of Broadcast Communications Saturday Night Live exhibit.
11 – Office happenings:
- Can’t help but feel kismet, welcoming David Derdiger, Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist, into my office, at our busy open house while he offered tea tasting.
2. Having the best helper, my mom, at health fairs speaking to potential patients.
3. Thank you to: Martina, Holly, Marcy, Debbie, and Patricia – for presenting thoughtful and informative presentations.
4. Meditation class with Judy Craven
5. I learned tips to improve your golf swing. I’m now a certified functional golf specialist (CFGS)!
12 – My favorite things:
- A new pen made from olive wood by my patient, Pam.
- Using a bullet journal to keep my life organized
- Allbirds shoes made from merino wool that keep my sockless feet comfortable in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Bombas merino wool socks – every time I buy a pair, Bombas donates a pair to the homeless
- Writing blog posts at the library and Botanic Garden
13. Overwhelming sadness as we said goodbye to family and friends taken too soon this past year: Timmy Gruensfelder – 22, Austin Lockwood – 24, David Albaum – 61, Jimmy Lazar – 59, Denise Dean – 38. To their families and friends, may their memories continue to shine brightly.
Wishing you and your family peace, joy, and good health this holiday season and into the new year.
~Denise
P.S. Drop me a line with your favorite memories this past year!
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