2024.

2024. 

Tomorrow I'll wake up and you'll be gone, a thing of the past, another year in a book that people will learn as history, another year gone. 

2024, you've taught me more in this one year than I ever thought I'd learn in a lifetime. 

This year I made 132 new best friends. 132 beautiful people, most of whom I have still never met. I learned so much about each and every one of you. I learned about who you are, what are the things that make you happy, the places you love to go, the things that make you laugh, and the people who mean the most to you. I learned about your biggest strengths, your greatest loves, and a part of what your world looks like. 

Through this year, its been a privilege to get to know you, each and every one of you. I learned how beautiful your light is, and I just fell in love with each one of you. 

Its been a true honor to get to hug many of the people who you hold closest, it's been an honor getting to know you so well that I really do feel you are my best friend. 

Ive met your families, your animals, your friends. 

We hugged, and we cried together. 

This year only 32 of you have come home, the unbelievable joy and celebration of each of the 7 who were brought home alive. And the soul crushing disappointment and pain of each and every other who came home in a body bag, who we put to rest in your forever resting place. 

100 fates still waiting. 100 of my closest friends, my best friends, my family. 

Goodbye 2024, Thank you for the lessons. Lessons of strength, of pain, of love, of patience, and of so much endless HOPE! 

Hello 2025, please be gentle?