Dad, we will love you forever: Happy New Year Dad

Hi Dad,

Its been ages since I've written. I've thought about you so many times throughout the year, but I also didn't want to post as the blog is public and we were in New Zealand for five months. You would have loved seeing the photos. I could picture Mom at the laptop in the living room, showing you our latest adventure - the sunrises, the sunsets, the hikes in the forests and mountains, the rivers and lakes. Don't worry, I called Mom every day. Simon found Skype to phone and it was amazing - better connection from NZ than from Michigan.

I posted this last night on my FB. I'm reposting it here... with my thoughts for the year, my hopes for the next year, and for the gratitude for all who walked with us.

Love you always,

Susan

New Year's Eve, December 31, 2018

Expanding on Hillary Clinton's NYE post:

"In many ways, 2018 was a dark time for our country." It was also a difficult year for our family as my beloved, fearless, with-us-to-the-end dad passed away in February. And then in November, my mother-in-law passed away.

"As it ends, I'm grateful to everyone who brought light into it: activists who protected kids at the border, journalists who stood up for truth, organizers who mobilized voters for the 2018 elections, candidates who ran races with grit and inspiration, voters who made their voices heard, and absolutely everyone who marched, donated, called, and protested to fight for the values we share."

I am grateful for all who walked with us in the journeys of the past year. There are too many people, and if I start naming people I will surely forget someone, but I hope all of you who walked with us (and ran with me) along the way, know how much you are appreciated.

There are also times of light in the darkness. The week my dad passed were full of tears but also of hugs. For those that fed us, comforted us, grieved with us - I am truly thankful.

There were the visits to NJ, the walks in Van Saun Park and Closter Nature Center with my Mom and in Tenafly Nature Center with my Mom and my niece and her children. I am truly thankful for the time we had together. And Jennie, I think every time I saw moss in NZ, I thought of Kenzie and Chris... animal, plant, decomposer...

And then there was the sabbatical in New Zealand, where everything seemed new and I felt like a child seeing flowers and trees for the first time.

For those friends and colleagues who made me feel welcome and put up with my crazy enthusiasm for the mountains and everything that I found new and unusual (like the rose shaped pine cones). For Simon who traveled with me all over New Zealand, on windy, narrow roads, and hiked trail after trail (and stair after stair).

For Jeff who had an amazing Study Abroad experience and his life-long friends.

There was a trip to Australia, planned for a week later, but things don't always go as planned. For those who have been friends with Nesta, who cared for Nesta in her latter years, and who were with us as she was dying and we coped with her passing, we offer our eternal gratitud

e.
And then there was our annual trip to NJ for Christmas. To all of my family, I am truly grateful for each of you and glad we could spend the time together.