On the end of 2021.

A new year is about to begin.

I apologize for the unannounced two-week hiatus. Between finally and fully moving out of my childhood home, my parents’ home for the last three decades, and traveling to Florida to spend the holidays, updating this blog has been low on my list of priorities. In all honesty, maintaining this blog has been lower on my priority list than it should be. In the new year, I really plan to fully embrace my writing life as my life. But more on that later.

Miracle Maddie

Maddie Girl has been continuing her steady progress. It’s slow and small progress, but it’s happening. She moves her arms so much more and when she’s in her stander, she’ll even move her leg. There’s also been lots more facial movements. We’d love for her to be more aware, but the more I think I about that wish, the more I realize it needs to be clarified. It’s not clear how aware Maddie actually is, so what we’re really hoping for is for Maddie to be more expressive, or to express her awareness.

Her birthday and Christmas were a week apart. It was wonderful to be with family and we all had fun, but it wasn’t the same. We’re hopeful Maddie’s recovery will continue to progress, but some days it’s hard to focus on the optimism. It’s hard not to give over to the immense sadness of it all when Maddie’s not running around, tearing open gifts, or blowing out her own candle. I don’t want to be sad about Maddie — it’s exhausting. With the optimism comes a diluted form of adrenaline, but all the sadness does is wear me out.

But she’s doing better.

Ireland

I fly back January 17th. I’m excited to continue learning and writing, and I’m happy to reconnect with the friends I’ve made. I’m going to go back to New Jersey about a week before to visit with friends. Surrounding myself with good love is how I want to spend 2022.

Writing

Because of the holidays, I haven’t heard much from my publisher. I’m not upset because to be fair, I haven’t been writing. In 2022, I want to make and stick to a writing schedule. I really need to start prioritizing my writing life and being the woman I want to be. I need to pursue my goals fearlessly.

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