The Positive, the Negative, and the Conclusion of 2025
This was a tumultuous year and for as many good things that happened, it is one that will also remind me of some unpleasant aspects.
Chosen as one of 68 swimmers to trek from the sunken graveyard of the Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior to its dock in Detroit, we relayed the 411 miles in August of this year to symbolically finish the ship’s journey.
My Lake Huron sunrise view. This lake made me an open-water swimmer.
I am a chef by design and prefer buttery carbs to fruits and vegetables, and I hadn’t participated in a run, swim or other athletic event in decades.
I started training in January and stuck to it until I successfully completed the swim in August. I gave up alcohol and potato chips. My brother trained with me for the month of July. Windy and wavy weather? Good, he said, it will build up your confidence. Let’s swim.
The ripple effect of participating in this momentous event continues today. I made life-long friends, tied together with our love and commitment to this event.
I reconnected with old friends who supported us and reached my best physical condition since matriculation-1980’s.
It was ambitious and I will always remember the feeling of accomplishment when I stepped onto land after our portion of the swim. The sensation is a lasting memory.
Open water swimming has a new enthusiast. I plan to swim Escape from Alcatraz in 2026.
2025 will also remind me of my foolish heart. I involved myself with someone who wasn’t reciprocal, was controlling and inflexible. I was criticized so many times I quit trying. I found the strength to extract myself from the unhealthy relationship this year.
Mistakes make us who we are. Mistakes make us stronger, smarter and more self-reliant. It is far better to be alone than to be with the wrong person. Over lunch, my therapist friend told me I was “in love with the idea of being in love”. That could be why I overlooked all the signals, signs and flags. A valuable lesson at any age, and 2025 will always remind me of this.
It will signify the year I challenged established convention. Society dictates love and fulfillment are only possible in a romantic relationship. This year, I learned that peace, purpose, and true contentment exist beyond that version.
The year will also represent that time on Earth is limited. My 16-year-old Izzie began showing her age. She has seizures now and the vet told me she can’t travel any more. She has become a total Velcro pup, and I cherish the time we share.
Friends down the street have trained her to stop for a treat and she loves them almost as much as me. Even though they root for the maize and blue team, Izzie accepts them as family. She sleeps most days now, in front of a toasty fire.
Since she is small, I was worried about a guest tripping over her during a holiday soiree. A dog sling was a perfect solution, thank you Betsy. She was by my side and did not fuss.
I couldn’t work in the kitchen wearing it, so Betsy stepped up and handled the food. Emma offered to tend bar and poured the champagne. Our job was to greet guests and enjoy ourselves. Having family and friends willing to plug in when needed is invaluable. I have been blessed with both.
It is hard to accept that my Izzie’s time here is limited.
Mae West’s words ring true, “You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough.”
Of all the things this world has shown me this year, the most important one is to be kind. I hope we can all carry that belief into the new year.
So, a fond farewell to 2025 and a warm welcome 2026, cheers to new adventures.
Happy New Year to Everyone!
— Sally
PS. A new manuscript is in the works…I will keep you posted.
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