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A Year of Transitions, Loss, and New Beginnings

2024 was a year of stark contrasts. It was marked by profound loss and unexpected joy, by heart-wrenching grief and newfound hope. It was a year that tested our resilience, deepened our love, and reshaped our understanding of life.


A Difficult Start

The first half of the year was marked by a relentless cycle of hospital stays, sleepless nights, and the constant worry for my father-in-law. My husband and I found ourselves unexpectedly thrust into the role of caregivers. For months, we dedicated ourselves to his care, navigating the complexities of his illness with a mix of fear and hope, all while giving him the best possible care. We learned the delicate balance between providing comfort and maintaining our own mental and physical health.

However, fate had a different plan, and he was called away from us much sooner than we anticipated. The suddenness of his passing left us reeling, grappling with a profound sense of loss. The void left by his absence is palpable, and we miss him dearly. It was during these trying times that we truly learned the meaning of selfless love and the fragility of life. Every day, we cherish the memories we made with him and find solace in the love and support of our family and friends.


A New Chapter

In September, we finally moved into our new home in the province. Amidst our grief, we found solace in the beauty of nature and the tranquility of our newfound haven. It was a bittersweet moment, and the house, once a symbol of hope, now carried a tinge of melancholy. We wished Papa could have seen the place we had dreamed of and built. It was a place filled with hope and promise, a place where we could heal and rebuild our lives.


As the year progressed, we sought opportunities to celebrate life and love. To celebrate our late 8th wedding anniversary, we took a much-needed break and escaped to the beautiful island of Boracay. The sun, the sand, and the sea provided the perfect getaway from the stresses of the year. It was a reminder that love can conquer all, even in the face of adversity. We were grateful for the strength of our bond, and for the unwavering support we gave each other.


A Birthday to Remember

Turning 41 in South Korea was invigorating. It was a chance for us to immerse in a different world, to appreciate the beauty of life, and to return home refreshed and rejuvenated.


A Festive Conclusion

As the year draws to a close, we're grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family, and to celebrate my husband and I's 17 years of togetherness. The holidays have also been a time of joy, laughter, and gratitude. We've learned to cherish every moment, to live in the present, and to appreciate the simple things in life.


Lessons Learned

2024 has been a year of profound growth and transformation. We've learned that life is unpredictable, that loss is inevitable, and that hope is essential. We've also learned the importance of family, friendship, and faith.

As we step into 2025, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. We carry with us the memories of the past, the lessons we've learned, and the hope for a brighter future.

As always...

Explore & Be Free!

Mai

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