Tuesday
Dear Elsie
Today is the last day of 2024. We say goodbye to the year and, I’m so happy to say, it has been a much better year than 2023. A year ago, it was hard. Oupa Ron had just passed away and David was still very unwell. It was difficult. We did not know if 2024 would be any better. We went into the new year without a great deal of excitement, enthusiasm or hope. Whatever would be would be.
Turns out there were some great highlights. We enjoyed seeing more of the Swellendam family this year, including a special week spent with Stacey.
We had another little holiday with the family – at the hot springs.
David started improving after he had visited a haematologist (end of January), who suggested a few blood tests that hadn’t been done. Those results revealed he was anaemic. As soon as he started on the right iron tablets (& Vitamin D), his energy levels improved. Also, he re-met Anna & their friendship has blossomed into romance.
The comparison between 2023 David and 2024 David is is remarkable. We are so grateful and we pray he will get even stronger in 2025.
Staying with family highlights, Elsie you turned 6.
And I turned 60 & that was a super special week with family and friends.
As far as events went, we had a fine time during 2024. We went to Arona Italy in April..
And then met Julian in Copenhagen for a cruise up to Norway.
It was wonderful, with loads of memories.
When we came home, we got into hiking and did a lot of walking.
One of the greatest highlights was John’s birthday. Going on the world’s longest zipline!
That is a fabulous memory.
Thank you to all who were part of our 2024.
With all these experiences, 2025 is going to be hard to beat. Who knows what will happen during it. We ended 2019 saying 2020, year of plenty! I’m hearing people say 2025, year to thrive! Let’s hope so. Our trust is in the Lord.
My prayer for all who read this:
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”
It’s not about now – we are only passing through.
Keep the smile going.
God bless you.
In His Grip,
Gran xx 🙂