When the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2018, my social media feed was flooded with people saying how glad they were to leave 2017 behind. For me, the past year hadn’t been bad at all. It was steady, even boring—but in hindsight, I’d take a quiet 2017 over the emotional rollercoaster that 2018 turned out to be.
A Cruise to Cuba and New Beginnings
The year kicked off with a cruise to Cuba. My dad, my son, and my husband joined me for this adventure, and while it was enjoyable, it wasn’t without its challenges. At one point, my dad wandered off, and my husband and I ran frantically around the ship looking for him. Thankfully, he was safe, and the rest of the trip went smoothly.
Back at home, I resumed running with my group, Team Galloway Long Island, which brought a lot of joy. We took on local runs and even participated in the indoor Time to Tri Triathlon. Later that month, my husband and I attended the New York Times Travel Show, where I won a Paralympic mascot bear, and I joined my friend Didi at BlogHer. Life felt easy and predictable, and I was perfectly fine with that.
Family Responsibilities and Life’s Curveballs
March rolled around, and I traveled to Florida to help my dad with his taxes. The stress of the trip left me venting to my siblings about sharing responsibilities. I delegated tasks, ensuring I wasn’t the only one supporting our dad. Back in New York, I got back into racing with the Riverhead Rocks race and felt like I was on track with my fitness goals.
Passover came early that year, bringing my family together in a way we hadn’t experienced since my mother passed. It was warm and special, but I didn’t realize it would be the last time I’d see my sister Lori. Her happiness that day is a memory I’ll always treasure.
The Sudden Loss That Changed My Life
Shortly after Passover, Lori began experiencing severe migraines, but none of us thought it was more than her usual headaches. By April, she’d been hospitalized and, shockingly, slipped into a coma. My vibrant, strong sister passed away a month later, and my world was shattered. Spending those final days with her was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
We buried Lori next to our mother, a kindness made possible by my Aunt Ann, who selflessly offered her burial plot. It was a profound moment of generosity during a time of immense pain. Shortly after, I went on a pre-planned trip to Europe. It was difficult, but I used the time to reflect and process my grief.
Finding Moments of Joy Amidst the Pain
The summer brought moments of peace, even joy. We celebrated my dad’s 85th birthday in Florida, although Lori’s absence was deeply felt. I hosted Jeff Galloway at my home for an inspiring presentation with my running group, and I swam two grueling ocean races, where I surprisingly earned awards despite the challenging conditions.
Later in the year, we visited my son in Arizona, where he was interning with the Phoenix Suns. The extreme heat (a searing 120°F!) melted my sneakers, but seeing him made it worth every sweltering moment.
By fall, I found solace in racing again, sharing a memorable weekend with my son in San Jose for a 10K. Spending time with family helped heal some of the cracks Lori’s loss had left in my heart.
Lessons From 2018
2018 was a year of extremes. It brought heartwarming moments of connection and unshakeable grief from losing my sister. Through it all, I learned that life is fleeting, unpredictable, and precious beyond measure. The importance of cherishing loved ones has never been clearer to me.
Yes, I traveled a lot last year, but every trip revolved around connecting with people I care about. Those moments reminded me of the value of time and the importance of not taking anything for granted.
As this chapter closes, I carry these lessons forward. Appreciate every moment, call the people you love, and don’t wait for tomorrow to tell them how much they mean to you. Life is a gift that’s too precious to waste.
Thank you for following along on my 2018 journey. Wishing you a 2019 filled with love, connection, and gratitude. xoxo
