Hello, dear reading friends,
My faithful readers will have noted the very sporadic posting this year on my blog. As we have all experienced, it’s been a tough year. For my family in Melbourne it’s been one of hard lockdowns, a busy work schedule, our youngest completing her final year in high school – mostly from home – loss, grief, and weariness.
No doubt many of you can relate as 2021 has looked like nothing we imagined. I’m not one to share much personally here, as that isn’t the purpose of my blog, but I felt it only fair to explain a little of what has been going on.
We lost my dear mother in law after a long illness in July, followed by my father in law’s deteriorating health and he passed away in October. Due to restrictions we were only able to hold a joint thanksgiving service for them last week. It was a wonderful time of remembrance and so good to share it with extended family and friends.
Our beautiful Seeing Eye Dog puppy-in-training, Rosie, commenced formal training in October, but was sadly released from the program on medical grounds. She is now living a wonderful pet life with her amazing new family and, in the circumstances, we couldn’t be happier for her.
You don’t have to read too far between the lines that things have been difficult and my time has been divided, and certainly you can see the evidence of that here.
But as always, there has been much to be thankful for, including our youngest and her boyfriend completing their final year of high school with a smile on their faces, and finally attending their school formal which had been postponed numerous times throughout the year.
I imagine things won’t be quite back to normal here until the new year, but Necee and I hope you stick with us. More reviews, interviews, and giveaways are coming your way.
Bless you! Rel xo
December 14, 2021 at 2:45 pm
I am so sorry for all of your losses, Rel! I pray the One who knows us all and loves us completely brings comfort in your grief. And of course, everyone understands. As you do so much to support and promote CF, so you are supported. Blessings to you and your family!
January 7, 2022 at 10:38 am
Thank you, Aaron – how kind of you to respond and so lovely to hear from you. Hope you are doing well.
December 14, 2021 at 11:41 pm
Dear friend, I’m so sorry for all your family has faced and lost. Know you have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue.
January 7, 2022 at 10:38 am
Thank you, dear friend. I treasure your thoughts and prayers xo
December 15, 2021 at 12:25 am
I’m so sorry for your losses. I can identify as I lost my mama in May. My love and prayers.
January 7, 2022 at 10:39 am
I’m so sorry to hear that for you, Lucy. Thinking of you too!
December 15, 2021 at 1:35 am
Thank you for sharing. I am so sorry for your losses🙏🏻.
January 7, 2022 at 10:39 am
Thank you, Betsy – I appreciate you taking the time to share with me.
December 15, 2021 at 1:39 am
I will absolutely stick with you, Rel. You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers, and I’m sending my love and hugs to you.
January 7, 2022 at 10:40 am
You are the sweetest, dear Amy – thank you so very much for your encouragement and care xo
December 15, 2021 at 2:02 am
OH, Rel, my heart aches for all you and your family have been through this year, my friend, and please know you are — and have been — on my prayer list during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences for all your losses this year and then, of course, congrats to your daughter on her graduation. She is BEAUTIFUL … just like her mama!
I will always stick with you and your blog, my friend, as I know many, many others will as well.
Hugs and more hugs and lOTS and LOTS of prayers!
Julie
January 7, 2022 at 10:41 am
Thank you, Julie – you are so very kind and compassionate. Appreciate every one of those prayers xo
December 15, 2021 at 5:55 am
It has been some crazy times. We appreciate you both for the time you do share with us! Family comes first always. We pray for a calmer year!
January 7, 2022 at 10:41 am
Thank you for your sweet encouragement, Susan.
December 15, 2021 at 11:21 am
So sorry for all the losses and a very difficult year. I pray 2022 is a much better year for you and your family. Your daughter and her boyfriend look so nice, thanks for sharing!
January 7, 2022 at 10:42 am
I appreciate that, Cindy – thank you!
December 16, 2021 at 10:17 am
Sorry for your losses
January 7, 2022 at 10:42 am
Thank you, Mark.
December 17, 2021 at 2:08 am
Rel, I’m so sorry that you are going this valley. May the Lord pour out His great grace and mercy upon you and your family! Love you!
January 7, 2022 at 10:42 am
Thank you, dear Caryl <3
January 1, 2022 at 9:45 am
Bless you, Rel. Love
January 7, 2022 at 10:43 am
Thank you, Julia.
January 4, 2022 at 6:37 pm
Sending you all the best, Rel and thinking of you in this season. <3 Thanks for all you do in the blogging/Christian fiction world of books. Hope you have the best 2022 and whenever you're ready to return, everyone is still here.
January 7, 2022 at 10:43 am
Thank you, friend! That means a lot xoxo