After an especially bad 2021, I’ve realized that I’ve taken a break in writing, however unintentional it’s been. I know I’ll get back to it once things settle down. I wanted to give an update as to what this year has been like.

In March, I lost one of my closest friends after seven months of hospice care. He was battling several diseases that eventually got the better of him. I was able to see him a couple of times, even through Covid lock downs. Each one was a blessing. He passed away in his husband’s arms.

A week later, my mother entered hospice care. She passed on May 30 at home. I had been able to spend most all of the time she had left with her. I had just left her side for a bit to feed all the animals when the nurse called me to let me know she was gone. She was peaceful and happy right up to the end.

Even though my mother’s affairs were in good order, and I was mostly prepared for it, dealing with estates and inheritances is daunting. I spent the next two months on the phone with banks, employers, investment firms, government entities, a funeral home, newspapers, CPAs, etc. The wierdest part was that, in 2020, the federal government had changed how 401Ks and IRAs were to be handled. This actually forced me to retire from full-time work immediately or suffer huge tax implications.

Then, in July, my father suffered a major seizure and his heart stopped. He was taken to the hospital where he survived until August 8th. I was able to see him during the 10 days he was there and I said my goodbyes. My step-mother was holding his hand when he died.

His estate was not as tidy but he had an existing spouse, which made some things easier. I’m still going through his belongings with his wife. It’s both a sad and joyous experience seeing my history spelled out in his collections.

I then retired September 1st, and my company gave me an online party. (It was a quiz show format and I found that quite entertaining.) I miss my coworkers who were simply amazing people. I don’t miss the sleep deprivation, though.

I’m now recovering from a hip and knee sprain. (If I’m going to walk for miles and miles, I need to work up to it.) I have time to think about what I’m going to be doing as I move forward into a very changed world. Travel is off the table until the pandemic is done, but there are many things I want to try. Wish me luck.