2025 Highlights. My young adult autistic son graduated from high school in May, something we never imagined he would do. My oldest daughter is guiding my husband and I through a renovation of our dream home—she’s an architect in training (working towards her license). I said goodbye to some volunteer organizations and hello to others. I am embracing my 50s and looking forward to a new zip code in 2026.
Funny story - we visited Lake Oconee this spting for the first time as my daughter is on the shotgun team for our school! We stayed at a cute hotel and ate at a really great Mexican place!
The biggest & best highlight of 2025: Our son graduated high school and started his freshman year at an out-of-state college. He has grown and matured in so many ways, and we are so proud. He wrapped up his first semester with a 4.0 GPA, and he’s waiting to hear back after an interview for a summer internship. We have paused many times this year to appreciate the man he’s becoming — and recognize that we helped him get here.
Loved this reflection, Emily. I’ve felt a kindredness with you in doing hard things, new things, and moving through unexpected things with joy, exhaustion, and gratitude for all the people who’ve seen and supported you through it.
2025: finished a book, completed a year of doctoral work, pushed pause on a 10-year old business to accept an unexpected ministry position, and ended the year with a hysterectomy!
I was inspired by your interview on Pantsuit Politics this year - thanks for modeling courage, vulnerability, and business savvy. Looking forward to reading what next year holds for you!
The part about your confirmation (and the subsequent link to your article about it) moved me to tears. Especially this: “It's taken me 42 years to find where I fit. And I feel very much at home.” As a 30-something who’s going through my own faith journey to find where I (and my children) fit, this gives me a lot of hope. Thank you for sharing.
Gosh, that is such a lot! You should be so proud of all you've handled.
My year has been incredibly quiet and uneventful, but you get to an age where that is exactly what a good year looks like, lol. Sending you and yours love.
What a year!!! You have so much to be proud of! 2025 was a big year for me, I trained and ran a half marathon, got engaged, traveled more, work hard at my job, and gained a sister in law. 2026 is going to bring lots of change, but I’m ready for it!
2025 Highlights. My young adult autistic son graduated from high school in May, something we never imagined he would do. My oldest daughter is guiding my husband and I through a renovation of our dream home—she’s an architect in training (working towards her license). I said goodbye to some volunteer organizations and hello to others. I am embracing my 50s and looking forward to a new zip code in 2026.
I'm so excited for you guys and your new house!!
Funny story - we visited Lake Oconee this spting for the first time as my daughter is on the shotgun team for our school! We stayed at a cute hotel and ate at a really great Mexican place!
I bet I know that Mexican place!! We went there over thanksgiving haha!!
The biggest & best highlight of 2025: Our son graduated high school and started his freshman year at an out-of-state college. He has grown and matured in so many ways, and we are so proud. He wrapped up his first semester with a 4.0 GPA, and he’s waiting to hear back after an interview for a summer internship. We have paused many times this year to appreciate the man he’s becoming — and recognize that we helped him get here.
Loved this reflection, Emily. I’ve felt a kindredness with you in doing hard things, new things, and moving through unexpected things with joy, exhaustion, and gratitude for all the people who’ve seen and supported you through it.
2025: finished a book, completed a year of doctoral work, pushed pause on a 10-year old business to accept an unexpected ministry position, and ended the year with a hysterectomy!
I was inspired by your interview on Pantsuit Politics this year - thanks for modeling courage, vulnerability, and business savvy. Looking forward to reading what next year holds for you!
The part about your confirmation (and the subsequent link to your article about it) moved me to tears. Especially this: “It's taken me 42 years to find where I fit. And I feel very much at home.” As a 30-something who’s going through my own faith journey to find where I (and my children) fit, this gives me a lot of hope. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for your comment, Carolyn. I think that's one of my favorite pieces I've ever written. Sending you love as you embark on a new year!
Gosh, that is such a lot! You should be so proud of all you've handled.
My year has been incredibly quiet and uneventful, but you get to an age where that is exactly what a good year looks like, lol. Sending you and yours love.
I feel that in my bones! Hoping next year is a little bit more of that. Happy holidays!
Phew! Enjoy your break, Emily! xo
Haha, thanks Amelia!
What a year!!! You have so much to be proud of! 2025 was a big year for me, I trained and ran a half marathon, got engaged, traveled more, work hard at my job, and gained a sister in law. 2026 is going to bring lots of change, but I’m ready for it!
That's a great year!! Happy holidays, Elspeth!