That’s what I want this year to be. Graham and I have dealt with a lot of loss and sadness in the last several months.
Just yesterday, we attended a memorial celebration for a good friend who died, suddenly and tragically, of CJD. It’s an incredibly rare disease – he would have had a better chance of winning the lottery – and it took him quickly. I still can’t believe he’s gone. I expect to see him, still, when I walk into his favorite bar, sitting there, beer in hand, ready to chat and just have a good time. The celebration of his life yesterday was wonderful, full of friends and food and music. He would have loved it. It felt odd that he wasn’t there. He was always up to celebrate.
I went to bed last night feeling grateful for my good health and for Graham’s. And for our life – our beautiful home, our crazy animals, our supportive families and our awesome friends. We have good things. I just want more.
This year, I want to gain, and not lose. I want to celebrate, and not mourn. I want to laugh without feeling bad about it, and smile with my whole face. Talking to some of our friends yesterday, they’re feeling the same. There’s just been so much loss over the last few years, for everyone, all over the world. And so this is what I wish for all of us:
A year of joy and abundance.
So if you’re out there, feeling like we do, know that I’m thinking of you. I’m pulling for you. I’m sending you positive thoughts and happy vibes and so much love. You deserve it.
I do, too.
A Virginia Writer's Diary 
I am sorry for your loss; losing someone you love is never easy. But I am hoping your year turns around. I hope your mourning turns to sweet celebrations and endless joy! Blessings!
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Thank you so much!
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So Sorry for your loss Katie! 💗
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Thank you so much!
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My sincere condolences. 💐 May you two experience hearty laughter and joyful celebrations this year.
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Thank you! I hope we do. 🙂
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My dear Katie, may you get to celebrate life and I’m sending you, happy healing vibes!
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Thank you! I appreciate that so much. 🙂
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Another beautiful post. Sorry about your friend. I always think loss makes one love deeper than ever though. It’s a poignant reminder to be grateful for what you have, like you say, particularly health. Many positive returns to you too 🙂
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That is so true. Loss should remind us to be grateful, and to live in the moment. I also think we become legacies for people we’ve loved and lost, so I’m coming into this new year knowing that my friend loved people, and fun, and music, and I’m going to try my best to carry that love forward.
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Amen to an year of joy and abundance.
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Yes!
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