As this year comes to an end, I find myself reflecting more than celebrating. Not because this year lacked joy—but because it asked so much of us.
This year stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. It required patience on days when I felt empty, strength when I didn’t feel strong, and faith when the path ahead felt uncertain. It reminded me that progress doesn’t always look loud or obvious. Sometimes it looks like showing up again tomorrow.
Kay turning five feels like a milestone that carries extra weight. Five years of advocating. Five years of learning medical language I never planned to know. Five years of celebrating victories others might overlook. And five years of being changed—completely and forever—by this little girl.
This year especially taught me that life doesn’t slow down just because things are hard. We learned to manage new diagnoses, adapt routines, and find a “new normal” once again. There were days filled with worry, frustration, and exhaustion. But there were also days filled with laughter, pride, and moments that reminded me why we keep going.
Kay continues to be my greatest teacher. She shows me what it means to persevere without complaint, to find joy in simplicity, and to take life exactly as it comes. She doesn’t focus on what she can’t do—she just keeps moving forward, fully herself.
As we head into a new year, I’m not setting grand resolutions. I’m choosing intention over expectation. I’m choosing grace on the hard days, celebration on the good ones, and trust in the journey we’re on—no matter how unpredictable it may be.
This year wasn’t perfect. But it was meaningful. And if this year taught me anything, it’s that growth often happens quietly, love grows deeper in the chaos, and we are capable of more than we think.
Here’s to another year of learning, advocating, loving fiercely, and watching Kay continue to shine in her own incredible way.