2024 was a bit of a huge year for our family. It’s good to be in a New Year and I wanted to take this opportunity to share 10 things I learned from a difficult year.
2024
My husband and I each lost a parent; Jo lost his mother at the end of January, and I lost my father at the beginning of December.
If you have been in that position yourself you will appreciate what end-of-life care is like, full-on, a huge commitment as well as a privilege to be able to spend those precious last moments with loved ones.
We literally morphed from end-of-life care, a funeral, and sorting, selling a family home for Jo’s mother to me supporting my mother and father with his end-of-life care, his passing, and another funeral to arrange.
We were in the grief club together, as tough as it’s been at times, it has also been a chance to understand what each other has been going through and to really be able to support each other in a knowing way.
I just need to take this moment to appreciate and thank each team from the local hospices (Garden House Hospice and Farleigh Hospice) who provided Hospice at Home care for both of our parents (in different locations) – they truly are angels.
Business Came Second
Business-wise it took its toll. There have been times when we have been unable to deliver our chocolate and blacksmith workshops for obvious reasons. Our clients have been delightful in their kindness, understanding, and patience through difficult circumstances. The one thing you learn in such times is you just can’t plan. You don’t know when things are going to happen and how long they are going to take. Our family needed to come first, so we needed to juggle, adjust, and do what was most important to us. I say this as if it was easy to manage, but at times it was incredibly stressful.
Working for ourselves we saw as a bonus during this period. We may not have been earning normally (and thank heavens for ‘emergency’ funds that came into their own), but we were able to be flexible and there for our parents in their time of need. What a comfort that has been.
2025
2025 is here and so are we!
Work is a good place to be after all we have been through. In a familiar and happy space where people are enjoying what you have to offer, is a great tonic. We are looking forward to seeing you all at the chocolate tanks and forge this year and beyond!
10 things that I learned:
- Family always comes first.
- People have usually been through something similar themselves, and are hugely kind and understanding (often suggesting I take more time off than I was asking for).
- Having your own business means you can be flexible and available when needed.
- Create an emergency fund for difficult periods if you possibly can
- You are stronger than you think, and you will learn more about yourself through the challenges that life throws at you.
- Being there at the end of a loved one’s life is incredibly sad, but also a real privilege.
- Knowing there is no more suffering is a release and a relief.
- Given time, you remember the good times, not just be consumed by the difficult ones.
- Peace
My blog definitely ended up on the back burner (again).
Writing and sharing chocolate news, business tips, and life stuff is something I have always enjoyed so I hope to be back and sharing more regularly in 2025.
Here’s to a healthy and happy 2025.