Marnita was a friend, but I never told her that. I cared for her and was frustrated by her. Although we disagreed on many things, we could agree on what was funny. We laughed together like nobody’s business.

2022 was too much!

The world experienced war, high prices for food and gas, sickness from COVID and flu variants and many of us found it hard to cope.

During Christmastime, I am into all things Christmas; decorations, music, Christmas movies – old and new, and all the rich delicious food and drink that come with it.

This year, memories of my mom invade my thoughts every day as many of my fondest memories of her surround Christmas and New Year’s Day. Lately, every smell, song, craft, or holiday special reminds me of my mom.

I love Thanksgiving weekend! It’s filled with family time, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, sister time and traditions. Each year, my husband and I purchase a live Christmas tree for our home and decorate it the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Does she know those people? I thought. My husband and I told our youngest grandchild to stop, take her sister’s hand and walk to the play area. They went directly to where the other kids were; a lady was there with them. That lady doesn’t want our kids over there! I assumed internally.

Choose Joy were two words that commanded my attention one morning when I read a friend’s social media post. Immediately I recalled her bright smile and loud laughter as I completed reading her post. It was perfect timing for the perfect reminder.

What a whirlwind!

I expected to be on my first international flight to Africa.

I was prepared with a neck pillow and blanket to keep me comfortable during the long flight.

I was excited to place my feet on the ground of the continent of my ancestors. I was filled with anticipation to experience what I had seen in videos, a crowd of people welcoming us in song and dance as we exited the plane.

When my father passed away, I remember loading my Ford Edge with suits, hats, coats, and sweaters to donate to a clothing ministry in Columbus. These were only a fraction of the items from his closet.

Considering all the material items left being by our loved ones when they pass, I ask a question and confirm a fact, “How do we collect so much stuff to be left behind? And, “All that stuff means nothing compared to the chance to talk with that person one more time.”

“How is it with your soul?” – John Wesley

I knew I had reached my breaking point. I needed to get away; I was tired, and my soul was hungry.

Amid some challenging days, I tried to manage my emotions so others couldn’t see what I was going through. Trying to keep a lid on everything was unsuccessful and stressful.

Women throughout the United States collectively screamed, “What the hell!!??,” on June 24, 2022. On that day, Roe V. Wade was overturned. This act left women unprotected against states moving toward creating laws to ban abortion, setting back women’s health rights by 50 years.

This month I celebrate one year of my blog, “Lessons and Revelations”.

When I began, the blog was a way to share some of my challenging life experiences for readers to know they are not alone. Often, life experiences grab a hold of us and keep us stuck. As much as we want to move on, we can’t. Our emotional responses in these times may be contrary to what the world tells us we should feel. These are the reasons I write.

One of the best books I’ve read is called Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud. Recommended to me by my Bishop, it was the answer to my current state of uncertainty and transition. Written by a best-selling author, psychologist, and leadership coach, this book is a guide to ending what needs to end for one to have a life of growth and health.

I finished this book in a short period of time. Soon I began to see the situations in my life that needed to end. Quite frankly, it made my heart race.

The quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.

As a tourism professional, I understand how to show hospitality from a professional point of view. I made a career of it for many years. Beginning as a front desk agent at a 4-diamond hotel, I became a sales manager for a convention center after years of work in the industry. On a personal level, my definition of hospitality was broader.

I hate moving.

In 10 years, I have moved to a new residence four times. Half of those moves are thanks to the itinerant system of the United Methodist Church.

Moving as we change church appointments is hard most times. I made it through with the support of clergy spouses who helped me to remain focused on the positive. I am also grateful to family who helped with physical labor when I had none to give.

In April, I tested positive for COVID and had symptoms that made me ill.

I was fatigued, suffered from headaches, body aches, and some days had difficulty breathing. Two mornings I awakened to soaked sheets and PJ’s.