In summing up 1992, Queen Elizabeth II said it was a year she would not look back on with undiluted pleasure. Her own Annus Horriblis. I have to say 2025 hit me the same way. Too much loss and grief spread over my family. Some expected deaths, others slammed like a sledgehammer.
It was difficult to be festive; family parties turned into crying fests. It was a year of goodbyes, so many memories piled up. I wanted to put them in a jar to open later so I’ll never forget. I also celebrated my birthday, putting my age in a new perspective. A stark reminder that there is a ticking clock attached to my future.
We all pushed through the tears. Life doesn’t stop and wait for all to adjust to the new normal. Work, school, sleeping, eating, even shoveling must be done. Loss is a shared experience.
When I have told others, they respond with sympathy. Also, they share a story about someone they know who has passed: funny, poignant, full of regret and a few who have anger mixed in. No one truly leaves us; there’s always a mark.
Next year promises to bring new beginnings for some of us. I’m looking forward to watching things play out. As always, wishing them the best.
My New Year’s resolutions are the same every year, but in 2026, they will have extra meaning.
Slow down, relax, enjoy, breathe, be present, kind, and patient.
About Mary Jo Burke
Mary Jo is a USA Today bestselling author and 2014 WRWDC Marlene Award winner. She writes whatever pops into her head including paranormal, fantasy, romance, and mystery stories. Being an eternal pessimist and multi-tasker helps Mary Jo put her characters in desperate situations. She reads, likes her kids, and is currently working on her next project.
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