Well, not quite. These are from Monday, three days shy of my birthday (Thursday). But the date is not the point. It’s been an unexpectedly challenging year, while also encouraging at times. If you’d like to hear more about it, read on. And if not, thanks for stopping in and saying hello

The autumn of my 62nd year marked the last time I posted to a Reddit sub, or even to my own profile; and I expect it’ll be another long stretch until I post again (if ever). I’ve managed to content myself with moderating a sub, and to being a commenter. I’ve been asked if I miss it and the answer is yes; but all things considered being a former poster has been bearable. What I haven’t given up, and which became even more important this summer, is the sense of community and support and camaraderie that developed over the past few years. I’m so deeply grateful for everyone, I can’t begin to put into words.

The reason for my hiatus arose from an agreement to work on my marriage (to be honest, it was essentially an ultimatum). Things between us are markedly better and although still not improved to what I hope, it’s also far from the untenable intolerable situation of a year ago. While I feel like the burden of the change still resides largely with me, I also feel like I’ve developed some coping tools in the past year. Fingers crossed.

Winter brought some challenging medical news which caused some concern and is ongoing, but is being managed carefully and cautiously. I’m fortunate to remain in overall good health, and to be able to maintain my activity levels–whether out of denial or motivation or simple routine, I’m not sure which. But the news brought home to me the reality of my age, and I’ve been making some slight changes to anticipate the years ahead. Again, fingers crossed.

The end of spring delivered perhaps the harshest blow: the loss of my “part time” job that has been my full-time passion for more than 40 years. It was a decision made by a single individual in administration, and I have no recourse to change it. I spent the summer feeling powerless and adrift and sad, frankly. My passion had shaped the course of my life, beginning with where I went to college and extending to friend groups, to family decisions, to relocating across the country… it was a core part of my identity and I spent a hard few months regaining my footing. I’m still not entirely at peace with my status, but with the help of those around me I’m managing pretty well. Silver linings and all that, I suppose.

If you read all of this, please know that I’m grateful to you for sticking with me after all this time. It’s nice to say hello again.