Washing Away 2014 With One Last Toast

This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant

When love is at its best, one loves so much that he cannot forget.  Helen Hunt Jackson

lgbt-couple11a

New Years Eve Toast 2013. Photo Credit: Carline Jean Sun-Sentinel

Last week during the Christmas holiday, we took a drive down memory lane and visited all the beautiful lights on Ocean Drive in Palm Beach and Broward County.  The outpouring of support from those two blog post is most appreciate.

As we move into the New Year, I do not want to forget about 2014, but I do want to wash it away.  Healing and grieving is different for everyone who has gone through the loss of a loved one.  Grieving would not be hard if love was not involved. Healing would be next to impossible without family and friends like you!

This year, I have decided not to make any new year resolutions, but rather to make some new year commitments.  In 2015, I will commit to taking better care of myself, including my physical, emotional, spiritual and financial self.  There is no secret weapon or path to accomplish this; taking better care of myself is something that is important to my healing process.   Caregivers understand that the last person who gets care, is the Caregiver.  Now, it is time for me to embark on a new caregiving role; caring for myself.

In 2015, I will continue to advocate for Caregivers and their Caree’s through my new radio show, Healing TiesTieHands on Health Cafe Life.com and iHeart Radio.  Our downloadshow on iHeart is listed under the Health section and there are already 10 shows up for you to listen to by simply clicking here!   (Listen in and be sure to click on the heart!)  I will keep blogging on ‘The Purple Jacket’ as this spot is reserved for TLO and all of our friends and followers who have been supportive over WholeCareNetworkthe years.  Early in 2015, I will introduce a new website, Healing Ties which will feature information about the radio show while introducing you to the Whole Care Network.  The new site is still in the development process, but you can take a quick look at the new website by clicking here!  Your feedback and opinion on the new website is most appreciated!  Our new website will highlight the Whole Care Network  which will be a bevy of referrals and references to help you create Healing Ties in your life and in your community.

There are three eBooks in the works and one major book, about our caregiving story, ‘In Sickness and In Health: A Couple’s Final Journey’ is in the works, too. image004Early in 2015 you’ll see posting about group cruises for Caregivers, especially for those Caregivers who have lost a spouse or a partner.  It is time for us to come together in celebration, in care, in commitment and in love, to support and be there for each other. There are some other exciting opportunities that are presenting themselves as we move forward in 2015, I will be sure to keep you in the loop! It is going to be a busy year with workshops and presentations across the country: remember I am making a new year commitment,  not a new year resolution!

IMG_47020763026057 I do not have any fancy words or sage advice today, that’s never been our style here on The Purple Jacket; I simply write from the aspect of love, care and commitment which seems to fit just fine.  As I wash away 2014, I toast you, and thank you for being with us on this journey.  One thing this past year has taught me is to live in the moment: Funny TLO used to tell me that all the time!  So as we bring in the new year, I am thankful for the love that we shared, thankful for the life with TLO, and ready and willing to move forward, just as he wanted me to do.

wpid-wp-1419525603576.jpeg

“I love the photo that includes your rear view mirror – you brought your past into the present last night.” Denise Brown from Aftergiving.com

I leave you with this wonderful quote  brought to you by my good friend, Denise Brown from Caregiving.com and Aftergiving.com ” I love the photo that includes your rear view mirror–you brought your past into the present last night.” I did not get the symbolism of this picture until Denise pointed it out to me, I am so thankful to Denise for her insight! Why? Because, I never want to forget about the past, yet life moves forward, not back.  Love is what shapes us: Love will never be washed away! 

Blessed and Happy New Year to you and your family! 

Share this:

13 Comments

  1. Dominic J Bisignano on December 31, 2014 at 10:27 am

    Dear Chris,

    Thank you for your new year greeting which I most heartily reciprocate.

    Many hugs,

    Dominic



  2. Christopher MacLellan on December 31, 2014 at 11:31 am

    Thank You Dominic for your friendship and support and of course, your delicious meals, too!
    Many hugs in return!
    Chris



  3. boomer98053 on December 31, 2014 at 12:05 pm

    Your greeting is so well put – there’s something in it for each of us. Looking forward to Healing Ties. Like you, I favor the term commitments rather than resolutions. The latter are often discarded by February or so, washed away by the incoming tide. Commitments, however, are built on a firm foundation that withstands the passing of time. Happy New Year to you Chris, Irene.



  4. Christopher MacLellan on December 31, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    Thank you Irene for your kindness and support. It is so important for me to commit in 2015. Commitment will help me move on, while not forgetting about this past!

    Happy New Year to you and your family!
    Chris



  5. sportsattitudes on December 31, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    Happy 2015 Chris! Washing off 2014 as well and looking forward to your new site, ongoing projects, etc. I wish peace and happiness for you and all your listeners and readers. Best Regards, Bruce



  6. Satori Sisters on December 31, 2014 at 3:47 pm

    love this pic! Taking care of ourselves can allow us to give more to others unconditionally! Because we are confident, trusting, content and pleased with ourselves! We are miracles… and wishing you healing and many blessings this year!



  7. h on December 31, 2014 at 4:31 pm

    Hi Chris, Thanks for the post. Hope the New Year brings you all good things.I just noticed my reminder of Richard’s birthday I have a card system of sorts. . It’s hard to believe this last year.Please take care and stay in touch. Love, Harriet



  8. Christopher MacLellan on December 31, 2014 at 8:52 pm

    😁thank you so much for taking thr time to respond; your comments are most appreciated! Blessings to you and yours this holiday season. Looking forward to visiting with you in 2015!



  9. Christopher MacLellan on December 31, 2014 at 8:54 pm

    Ditto,… richard would be 84 this year! Sending you love in return!

    Hugs!
    Chris



  10. Christopher MacLellan on December 31, 2014 at 8:56 pm

    ThanKs Bruce for your kind words as and continued support! Wishing you an your family the best in 2015! It is great to br connected with you!



  11. Christopher MacLellan on January 1, 2015 at 11:37 pm

    Hi Harriet!

    2015 will be the best year ever! Yes, Richards birthday is coming up in just a few weeks, we’ll figure out a way to remember him on the 24th! All my best to you and Ed!



  12. Christopher MacLellan on January 1, 2015 at 11:41 pm

    I am glad you liked the pic! Thank you for your kind words too. I agree with you 100%, by taking care of ourselves, we are in a better position to care for others! Wishing you and your loved ones a happy New Year!



  13. Christopher MacLellan on January 1, 2015 at 11:42 pm

    Thanks Bruce! Your kindness is most appreciated! Best to you and your family in 2015!