It seems the older I get, the faster time flies—and 2024 felt like a blink. As life sweeps us along, I’ve learned the importance of pausing to reflect and recharge. Recently I took a step back from the constant churn of news, and the resulting calm has been a gift. It’s amazing how tuning out the noise can help us focus on the moments and people that truly matter.
As I look back on the year, I’d love to share some of the experiences and highlights that made 2024 so special to me.
Highlights of 2024:
My Kids:
Drew’s Wedding: This was definitely the highlight of the year. Drew married his best friend, Victoria, over Labor Day weekend in Sevierville, TN just outside of Knoxville. All 85 guests had their own private rooms in two large rental homes with wrap-around porches, hot tubs, an indoor pool, game rooms, a movie room, catered food, and a spectacular view of the Smoky Mountains. We even had a family of bears that visited us daily. Jenna was Drew’s “best person” and Victoria’s brother, Michael, officiated the outdoor ceremony. We had the reception in the larger of the two homes, a DJ, a lively hora, and the young folks partied long into the night. The weekend was filled with love, joy, beauty, fun and relaxation. Two months later, they honeymooned in the French Polynesian Islands, visiting Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Mo’orea.
There is no greater joy than seeing my child so happy that he has found his life partner in Victoria. Watching them communicate, enjoy each other’s company, treat each other respectfully, and share many of the same interests such as nature, sustainability, running, theater, and travel fills my heart with love.
European Adventures: When Drew found out his sister, Jenna, and her girlfriends were going to Europe the two weeks before their honeymoon,
he and Victoria decided to join them. They explored Valencia, Mallorca, and Provence. Seeing my kids create memories together is truly magical.
Jenna’s Travels: Jenna continues to build her many business and investment ventures and was finally able to step away for some dream vacations. In June, she visited Paris, Barcelona, Monaco, Florence, Rome, Athens, Santorini, and Paros. In October, she explored Valencia, Mallorca, Provence, Venice, Milan, and Paris.
My Travels:
Florida:
- Family time in Tampa and West Palm Beach, including a private plane ride courtesy of Jenna’s colleague. My mom and I spent the week with my mom’s sister and brother-in-law in Palm Beach Gardens.
- A girlfriend getaway to our friend Amy’s house in Boynton Beach. Activities included a farmer’s market, nature preserve walks and a tram ride through the Everglades where we spotted an abundance of various birds and alligators. The Everglades is the slowest-moving river in the world and is known as the sawtooth prairie. In fact, it reminds me of the beauty of the Illinois plains.
- A return trip to Boynton Beach for R&R and nature.
Weekend Getaways:
- I went to Indiana with my PT girlfriends for kayaking, walking, pontooning, cornhole, and lots of eating.
- Mara, Jenny, and I went to our friend Rachel’s lake house in Michigan for more kayaking, hiking, pontooning, and eating.
Simple Joys and New Adventures:
- Weekly trips to the Botanic Garden with friends for peace and connection.
- Taking an improv class to tap into creativity and laughter.
- Seeing The Beach Boys live at Ravinia.
- Adding swimming to my weekly exercise routine.
- Went indoor rock climbing
Favorites of the Year:
- Books: Iona Iverson’s Lessons in Commuting, The Giver of Stars, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store,The Guncle Abroad, James.
- TV Shows: The Diplomat, Somebody Somewhere, Hacks, Queer Eye.
- Theatre: The Band’s Visit.
- Art: I purchased a lithograph from Rome by a Venetian artist.
Daily Delights:
Inspired by Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights, I embraced small joys like sipping morning green tea, spotting hummingbirds, making soup, petting neighborhood dogs, seeing a family of bears at my son’s wedding, and watching the changing colors of the trees.
As I reflect on this past year and look forward to the next, I’m filled with gratitude for my family and friends, especially my remarkable mother, whose unwavering love and support inspire me daily.
May you have an exceptional year of finding delights, great health, joy, and peace.
Denise
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