WARNING: Today’s post is the longest post I have EVER written. So if you are not a long post reader, I totally understand if you say “I’m out!” … however, if any of what you read here has happened to you and/or you are currently experiencing, I’d love it if you would please share. 2018 was one hell of a year. Was it just me? …
See this picture of me below? It was taken just a few weeks before I completely totaled this brand-new Jaguar F-PACE SUV and, as I indicated on my previous post, I came very close to dying. That was how I started my 2018 and today’s post I’m sharing all the HIGHS and ALL the many lows I experienced during my emotional roller coaster year.
A lot happened in 2018 and, as my therapist told me, she has never had a patient with SO many things happen to them ~ ALL at the same time! I did, actually, seek quite a bit of mental health guidance from her this past year (I gauge how many times I went to her based off of the fact that she appears to be driving a really nice, new car. Ha!) and frankly, I needed it. And so I will try to not make this post too wordy and will share the “short version” of each story, but I need to just write this post so that I can move forward. Let’s start with the car accident.
In between Christmas and New Years of 2017, I tripped and fell hard during my daily, early morning run. When I picked myself up, I felt super lightheaded and my head was spinning. I decided not go any further and walked back home. When I got home, I told my husband that I actually felt like I had a “brain numbing” kind of fall. So I rested but then I felt much better. I decided to clean up and get ready, as he and I were going to take blog pictures.
I was driving my car on the highway (during morning rush hour) and my husband was behind me driving in his car. I suddenly realized that I was going to faint. I turned to flag my husband behind me to signal that I was going to get off the highway and THAT is ALL that I remember. Apparently I passed out, crossed over lanes of traffic, hit the guardrail, turned and headed back across traffic finally to come to a stop as I scrapped along the middle barrier. I then laid unconscious for nearly 20 minutes. I am so thankful that I did not hit or harm anyone on the highway and my husband advised that everyone just luckily got out of my way.
I have ZERO memory of any of this ~ my husband, however, remembers it all as he witnessed it. I was rushed to the ER and became conscious as the paramedics placed me into an ambulance. Numerous tests later, I was released to come home. I had no real injuries other than a few scratches on my face, thanks to my cars air bags. THAT is how I started January 2018.
Ok ~ this was one of my first postings after the accident. I’m sure you thought I was just stylishly wearing my turtleneck. Nope ~ I was cleverly hiding my air bag face.
Also in January, Valentino and I started to look quite a bit alike. At that time, I was just standing out in front of our then home. I posed there because I was afraid to go anywhere. Afraid to drive … afraid to leave my house … afraid for my husband to drive and leave the house … simply afraid.
But then my friends at Chico’s called. They were inviting myself, and a few other bloggers, to NY to tell us about their new #HoldBoldAreYou campaign, to ask our opinions about it and other things happening at Chico’s and to treat us to some fun. I was THRILLED for the invite but scared to get myself to the airport … Chico’s sent a car.
This was the first of three really fab trips Chico’s treated me to in 2018. Although I’ve shared with their team how appreciative I was/am of them ~ they really have NO idea how much they helped to get me through this year. This first trip forced me to join the rest of the Land of the Living.
After coming back from NY, in late January my hubby and I moved into our new condo in town. We not only down-sized, which meant getting rid of and donating many of our belongings, it also meant packing and unpacking. Everyone knows how STRESSFUL moving is and we had not yet sold our existing home … this meant multiple mortgages. (sigh.)
Below was the morning after the move. All the boxes are stacked high outside of the kitchen. The dogs were mildly freaked out.
At the end of January, I released the first video of a series of videos as part of a collaboration with Heritage Hotels & Resorts to highlight New Mexico. My dear friend, Darlene from Style 4 Less Vegas, came done from Vegas to join me. She knew about my accident and that I wasn’t really driving ~ I did “pretend” to drive my videographer’s car.
a fun collab with Decode 1.8 to help spread awareness for women’s heart health.
Although I was still having a bit of anxiety about life, my new anxiety came when my fashion designer friend, Dara of Hopeless + Cause Atelier, asked me to walk in her New York Fashion Week show. You can watch my Runway Model debut here.
I finished off the month with collaborations with Swap.com, where I created 5 outfits with $100, and
another fun one with The Yes Dress that can be styled over 1,500 different ways!
At the end of February, I took the first of 4 trips to France to see/help my mother who lives there alone. Out of respect for my mother’s privacy, and not going into huge details, it just became evident that she could no longer live alone, and certainly not in the big home that she was currently living in. The February trip was to assess the situation, determine “next steps” and meet with her people ~ and her people mean her doctor, her banker, her real estate agent, etc. BTW, all of these people only communicate with me in French … a language I don’t read, write or speak. Let’s just say I use Google Translate ~ a LOT.
Since the passing of my sister a few years back, I am now the only child. It’s very weird to be an adult child and the sole person faced with making life decisions for your parents. If any of you have been in, or are currently in, this situation then you KNOW the emotional load that is put upon you. I wasn’t prepared for it and sought a lot of advice and guidance. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that this new emotional load was just the beginning for me ….
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In March, Chico’s flew our influencer group back to NY for the launch party of their #HowBoldAreYou campaign where I had the pleasure of hanging out with the stunning Tracee Ellis Ross. Can I just tell you how much I needed this trip? Although I found myself feeling guilty about having fun and releasing some steam.
March and April also had me trying out new things, like skin brushing …
exposing more of my super white skin …
and wearing my hair down more often. It’s not that I don’t like to do this, it’s just that I have LOTS of weird fine hair that doesn’t really do much. Pulling it back in a pony tail is simply easier, not to mention the style my husband prefers.
I also became a Brand Ambassador for Llano Wine and rocked in National Wine Day with them … along with my pony.
The years stress was starting to show on my face and in May, MBK Beauty apparently thought my eyes could use a break. #ThanksMBK
We took our second trip to see my Mom in France. It was a hard one, and although I had a fabulous time in Paris …
I came home and immediately got the first of two really bad middle ear infections. This first one took me down and had me visiting the ER at 3:00 AM just to seek some relief.
This didn’t stop me, however, from fulfilling a video collaboration with Savers where one of the items I scored was this denim trench coat for $6.99! You can watch that video here.
June brought new collaborations with J. Jill,
Eliza J and Julie Vos.
Mid June my second middle ear infection returned, which had me wondering if the first one ever really healed. Looking back at this picture below, I remember crawling out of bed to take this picture, because it was part of a collab that I committed to, and then going home to crawl right back into bed. THIS was when I really realized how much stress can effect your health!
My dad, who lives in New Mexico, announced that he was going to have the back surgery he had been putting off for years and that he will really be needing my help, seeing as he lives alone. He was quite nervous about having this surgery, as there would be a lot of down-time and recovery, but he was in immense pain. I adjusted my calendar so that I could take the time off to be with him and still fulfill other commitments I had made, as his surgery was a bit of a surprise.
Shauna and SheShe arrived a few days later and we spent 3 FABULOUS days in Santa Fe and shot one of the most FUN videos ever! WAIT ~ you haven’t watched it yet??? Well then, you’d better click on the arrow below.
July brought new collaborations with Macy’s …
Foot Levelers and ..
I had a moment of real creativity when I discovered that I could make a belt out of an electrical outlet cover.
My father had a successful surgery and was moved to a rehabilitation facility for a couple of weeks to build up his strength and prepare him to go home. The night before he was to be discharged, I went to his home and filled his fridge with healthy foods that I knew he needed and a few foods that he didn’t need, but that I knew that he loved. His home was ready for him … I was ready for him.
I was totally not prepared for what was about to happen.
On July 11, 2018, at 7:15 AM, I received a call from the rehabilitation facility that sometime in the early morning, my father had passed away. I just stood there … and then fell into my husbands arms. We both were in such shock! My husband drove me to my father ~ he was still in his bed at the facility. I sobbed over his body and thanked him for all that he did for me in my life …for making me the woman that I am. I told him that I will always love him ~ and then I said goodbye.
My life then completely changed. As the Trustee of my father’s estate, I now had the responsibility of handling all of his affairs. That week I made his funeral arrangements, wrote his obituary, contacted family, friends, and neighbors, met with his trust attorney and then sat in his house surrounded by all his “stuff” … he had SO much stuff. I had a lot of work ahead of me and my stress load just went SKY HIGH!
Condolences, food and flowers came in from family, friends and BRANDS. I frankly just couldn’t get over how many brands sent me flowers! All of this was just so touching to me. Vita Juwels sent me this gemstone water bottle because the gemstones provide stress relief.
I drank from it all … day … long. Although I was under all the stress of my mother and now my father, it was important to me to continue on and my blog was, and IS, my space to be me ~ AND it provides me such joy.
August brought more collaborations with Macy’s, and …
the most special and memorable trip to Florida with Chico’s as they invited me to join them as they celebrated 35 years in business!
After returning from, again … a MUCH needed trip … I headed back to France to assist my mother. This time I also collaborated with NK iMode,
Dress Barn, Soft Surroundings and Chico’s while there.
Back in New Mexico, I had a collaboration with Jambu shoes waiting for me and once I got settled back in …
I started the process of settling my father’s estate. I closed out all of his accounts, went through all his belongings … donating some items, selling others … fixed anything that needed to be fixed, cleaned and prepared his home for sale and handled all the unexpected things that cropped up along the way.
October rolled in bringing collabs with Simon Malls and
and Chico’s. (I loved this one!)
And Llano Wine treated me to a great tour of their facility and a day filled with good times … and wine.
November brought a smile to my face with the cutest boots from Ross + Snow …
that special girlfriend trip to Mexico …
and brought me back to my love of Southwest attire.
And, finally, December.
My father’s home, which was essentially the last asset to address, sold. There’s a weird finality to it all and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it all yet … but somehow this month I was able to keep my cool.
The week before Christmas, my husband and I took one more quick trip to my mom’s. This trip went really well and she is now settled and in a very good place.
I have no idea how I made it through this very tumultuous year, but I DO know that I could NOT have done any of this without the love and support of my husband who was beside me every step of the way. I LOVE YOU, JOHN! Thank you so much for being there for me. All the stressors (and successes) of this year have made me a stronger and better person ~ and I can’t help but think that how I handled myself would have made my father proud.
And so to all this I now say … ADIÓS, 2018! … and BRING ON this FABULOUS New Year!
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*** Thank you for reading. I’ll be returning to my short posts tomorrow. XOXO
I love you.
And I love you, honey. xoxoxoxoxo
Oh my goodness. I would never have guessed all this from your beautiful pics. I was in a car accident in 2017 and am just now able to drive without great anxiety. .. with help from anxiety meds. My mother died in July 2018 after suffering horribly from lung cancer. I too was in charge of the estate arrangements,etc. So glad to see 2018 go. Here’s to a happy, healthy 2019 and resiliency!!
That driving anxiety is REAL, isn’t it, Josa? (Let’s just say I’m the Queen of taking the side street)
I’m sorry to hear about your mother and closing one’s estate is a LOT of work. 2019 will be great for all of us.
What a year! You are truly remarkable and such a beautiful inspiration. I always look forward to your posts!
Thanks so nice to know, Andrea. HNY!
WOW!!!!! You sure had an eventful year!! I have been through a serious wreck and almost died, lost both parents and this year my only sibling had cancer, but all of these were in different years. All were life changing experiences. You must be a VERY strong woman! Thanks for sharing with us and I hope 2019 is much better for you! PS Your blog did not suffer that I detected. Congratulations for surviving 2018!!!!
Thank you, Janice. My only sibling also had cancer – we’ve had many similar experiences. Thank you for committing that the blog didn’t suffer… I was actually my saving grace.
Oh, Jamie I saw your stories on instagram as you were trying to write this. Not to hit on a sore subject but didn’t you also have something happen with one of your dogs? I glad your blog brings you joy because it brings me joy everytime I open it up.
Yes – we found out a few months ago that our sweet older dog has a tumor in her spine that can really only be treated with meds (and lots of love — that we give her daily!!). I’m so glad I can bring some joy to anothers day – thank you!
I’m sorry you had such a difficult year.
Did you ever figure out what caused your fall and the car crash?
All things considered, you were extremely lucky; things could have turned out so much worse.
Dealing with aging and sick parents is extremely stressful and living on another continent doesn’t help.
It must be great relief for you that your mother settled in her new surroundings.
My mother lives in Germany and has Alzheimer’s. Since her diagnosis a few years ago, I’ve been going to see her every three months and it’s wearing me down.
My mother still refuses to go into a home and I haven’t reached the point yet where I want to force the issue. So every three months, I take a look around and arrange for more and more assistance (which she is reluctant to accept, because she feels that everything is just fine)
So sorry your father passed away so suddendly and unexpectedly.
My father died twenty years ago, when he was in his early 50s and I still frequently tear up thinking of him.
Like you I have a husband who is supportive and my rock and two dogs who are my joy
May 2019 be happy, healthy and prosperous to you and yours.
Hi Sabine, I just tripped while running … (I usually run very early in the AM … “just” as the sun starts to rise) … that morning it was still fairly dark and I had one of my dogs with me. When I realized I was falling I tried not to fall on my dog so I twisted a certain way and just fell really hard. I apparently gave myself a concussion … that hit me a few hours later while driving. (that’s the drs best guess as heart, brain and other tests all came back normal)
I understand how the every three month International trips can wear on you — currently living that situation. However, today — my Mom is doing really well. I’m sorry to hear about your mother … and your father too.
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve said to myself “oh, I’ll just call dad.” …
Storms give trees strong roots. Much love from one of your earliest supporters.
I just teared up, GF. Thank you! xoxoxo
Jamie,
I love you my dear. Your strength and resilience is amazing to me. I’m so blessed to have you as a friend! And you know I’m praying for you always!
XO
Thank you for your forever friendship, Lisa! I love you, too.
Oh, Jamie. “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Sending you love, strength, and peace. Extra hugs to John for being a great husband.
SO true ~ and thank you, Melinda. (hugging John as I type)
That was a tsunami of a year! Up and Down and Down and Up…ROLLER COASTER is the right-on-the-mark description. First, my heartfelt sympathy. The loss of one of our parents is heartbreaking….they are so intwined with our lives…it is never easy to let go. I was in a similar situation in 2010. My husband was my rock…GOD BLESS THESE INCREDIBLE MEN! After my father’s death there were issues with my mother….which now have been resolved. She is 89 strong. I manage the trust for my disabled brother and getting the finances straight was a challenge. Life moves forward and if we are lucky….we move with it. You were lucky after that accident. THAT was a close call and I can understand your hesitance to go behind a wheel and just pick up where you left off after such a near miss….but you did! BOY, DID YOU EVER! Those collaborations….those trips…WOW. You GO GIRL!
I didn’t even mention the neuropathy I started to get in my feet, legs and hands. Again- many tests later determined no medical issues … just once the HUGE stress load subsided, the neuropathy also went away.
LISA- yes, you have all the same/similar experiences/feelings and one does just need to hope the can properly roll with it. One thing I really learned this year was/IS the importance of a trust. (a will doesn’t cut it) EVERYONE should have a trust. I used to work for estate planning attorneys so i knew how to close out my father’s estate but he made it very easy for me BECAUSE of his trust.
And thank you for mentioning all the HIGHS. I had some really amazing collaborations and trips and experiences this year- some of the very best! xoxoxoxo!!
Great blog overview my friend. I hope you’re taking some time to stop and smell the roses. With all you’ve been thru, both good and bad, unrelenting stress can wreck havoc with your immune system and cause chemical changes within your body, setting you up for potential serious health issues in the future. Take good care. You’re amazing! Miss you. 💕
I am, Pam, THIS year is all about taking care of Jamie. (physically, mentally, nutritionally, spiritually …) but I do know that you’re right and I’ll be watching. Miss you, too!! (let’s fix that!)
My God Jamie, and I thought I had a bad year!!! I no longer say “Happy New Year” but instead, “Healthy New Year!” which includes ourselves and those around us. Lost my wonderful Dad in 1989 to canser and just lost my mother to Alzheimers. I’ve even lost most of those wonderful, irreplaceable girlfriends, that you are so lucky to still have. Adore your blog, which is a good thing in my life!
Hi Dare, Thank you SO much for taking the time to comment. I know you can relate to this post “parent-wise” but what really struck me was your reference to losing irreplaceable girlfriends! … a different, yet totally difficult loss!! All these voids we feel….
And, YES , I’m very thankful for my girlfiends. Those I know in real life and those I meet HERE on the blog, like you!
Ok. Honesty to follow….not sure of the other followers but personally I follow you and the “others” to see how the “other side” lives. Thinking “oh, these women absolutely, live the life!!!” This post made me realize and appreciate and see you in a different light. I have more admiration and (let’s get weird here) feel a bit closer to you. You experience life no different from the rest of us!!! In my eyes you have handled your “ups & downs” with grace, courage and you have inspired me to face my challenges the way you have. Thanks for laying it all out for us to see, and prayers for a safe, peaceful, quiet 2019. I speak for us all when I say “we love you Jamie, and we are always here for you”.
Hi Cheryl — hey, gettin’ real here …. I think the SAME thoughts that you do when I look at other bloggers and think that their lives must be absolutely amazing. You said it all so perfectly in your comment. I guess it all goes to show that we all have similar thoughts and feelings no matter where we live, what we do, etc.
All these comments are making me feel closer to everyone, too!! Sending you some major cyber love, Cheryl!
Thank you for sharing…today and always. You style generosity and strength like no one else.
Thank you, M!!!
Jamie,
Your post made me cry. No one would have guessed you had such a difficult year. I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your father and hope that you will remember how beautifully you handled the whole situation.
Thank you for sharing all of this with us. Your story shows us what real courage looks like and inspires us to be brave as we go through our own lives.
I wish you a joyful new year filled with love.
My best to you,
xo
Ro
Thank you, Rosemary. I cried, too. It took me days to write this and many times I just had to get up and walk away from the computer but not only did I experience so much sadness, I also had SO much JOY! Thank you for the lovely words, Ro!
Oh Jamie! I had no idea everything you have been going through. You are so blessed to have John. There was never a doubt he would be there for you. My husband used to say oh it is just a bump in the road. I used to laugh at him. We had a few big bumps but we made it through together until the biggest bump for me was when he passed suddenly. But made it through and still putting one foot in front of the other. If you were not such a strong woman you would not have been able to handle all that was put in front of you. I am praying that your 2019 is a happy one and less stressful. I offer my sympathy for the loss of your father. I am looking forward to your continuing blog and all the adventures this year holds for you.
Karen, I really could not have gotten through this as I did without John. He was my calming factor AND helped me make really difficult decisions. I KNOW you know these feelings… I’m also sorry for your loss, your rock.
May 2019 be the best year yet — for both of us!
Jaime, my heart goes out to you. When you responded on my post a few weeks back, I felt at least I was not alone. I know that sounds selfish but I felt it was not just me. 2018 was trying and having lost my Dad at a very young age, losing my Momma was by far one of the hardest life events I ever experienced. The stress weighed in on my health and as the oldest sibling, I too had to deal with all the tours of assisted living, the packing of her home, the good and bad rehabs, the many meetings with drs…. as I said, I am grateful I was able to be there for her but if someone had told me I would be burrying her in January 2018, I would not have believed them because up until she got sick, she was planning a big 60th reunion trip, and still driving…. It was beautiful what you wrote about your year and I feel it came from deep within. So sorry for your loss Jaime. I think although we know our parents won’t live forever, we are never truly prepared for their passing. Here is to 2019! …. Goodbye 2018 and don’t let the door hit you …. Looking forward to reading your next fashion finds or your next adventures! Cheers!
yep… yep… all your are describing…. ME, this year. SO much to deal with. The loss of a parent really leaves a huge empty void. I SO glad you knew that my comment on your posting meant you weren’t alone. HNY, Mitchie!
Congratulations on surviving 100% of your worst possible days! Thanks for sharing these personal stories. Despite all your trials you managed to look beautiful and stylish throughout. I can totally relate to your anxieties and stress dealing with aging parents. I have been caring for my elderly father, and sometimes being the sole person responsible for fighting every battle, negotiating every deal, taking every phone call and making every appointment feels like it’s consuming your entire life. I pray for peace and calm waters in 2019 for you, and strength and courage to ride out whatever challenges come your way. You are a beautiful and inspiring example to the rest of us!
YESSS, Lynette! If I have to describe every phone call, appointment, negotiation, trying to close out all those accounts always explaining who you are, the process of unwinding someones life … moving another parent to a new residence, dealing with her assets, foreign languages, etc …. my post could have just gone ON and ONNNNNN — You KNOW how all that goes.
And the anxiety of it all — too much!
I will say, though, that I’m so glad I had this outlet to get me through. I hope you had outlets to help you, as well. xoxoxo
And they call these the Golden Years? 2018 sucked for me too. My mom passed away, 3 months later my sister died unexpectedly. My husband meanwhile has a horrible disease similar to ALS and was in the hospital for 6 weeks. I had to leave him to clean out my sister’s house etc. I also fell and ripped my knee and was unable to walk for two weeks. BUT, I have amazing adult kids, friends that
never waver in their support and an older sister I love. I consider myself very fortunate. “No person is a failure who has friends.”
DOT – we were emotionally twinning this past year!! Yours was equally, if not more, stressful. It’s so good that we can also look at all the positive in our lives, right?!
I LOVE this >>> “No person is a failure who has friends.” It’s PERFECT!
Oh my goodness, what a stressful year you’ve had. I really hope 2019 will be an amazing year for you, you certainly deserve it.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks, Emma! It’s going to be a good one.
Stay strong beautiful! You seemed to handle it all with grace and dignity. Wishing you continued success and happiness!
Grace and Dignity — thank you! That means a lot to me. xoxoxo
My dear, dear friend… YOU are one of the strongest women I know. To be going through all that heartache and stress for, really, an entire year and still being able to fulfill all your commitments with your blog/brands? You are amazing!
Love you!!!!!
http://style4lessvegas.com
You’ve been with me the entire time, friendie—- I SO appreciate you!!!
Jamie your video with Darlene was where I first “met”you and I’ve been a fan ever since…like most of us I too have gone through challenging times….loss of parents and spouse,children’s health issues,recent hurricanes but never in the short span of time that you were dealt.I take a little liberty with this quote “the devil whispered in Jamie’s ear…you’re not strong enough to withstand the storm…today Jamie whispered in the devil’s ear “I AM THE STORM!”but really you are the vibrant clear blue sky that always appears when the storm has passed…reading so many heartfelt comments but the first from your John says it all…so I raise a glass and toast to you( if beer only in a crystal flute…right)wishing only the very best in 2019…peace and love.
PATRICIA – thank you! I think the Devil finally heard me. I do know that are we age and go thru lice, we are all essentially faced with these challenges- for me, it was just the ALL at once that was so hard. I’m over the hum, though, and very thankful for friends like you.
What a testament to your strength and resilience. You went on without missing a beat! Your parents are surely proud!
I really hope they are, Kathleen —- THANK YOU for your kind words!
Wow Jamie!! I would have never known you were handling all of these challenges by the look of you and your fab photos! Best wishes that 2019 brings you and your family only joy and good health! Cynthia
Hey Cynthia! Nice to see you here. I guess I’m pretty good at concealing things (like extra lbs around the mid section!!ha!) Thank you — I know 2019 will be great!
Jamie,
That was so much…. What a blessing you are here, and you have John. Sometimes we have no idea what the human spirit can handle and we never know who shows up in those times. Thank you for writing this and your attitude is incredible. You just keep showing up and that’s huge. I’m so happy you are here and that you have John. I want to thank him for being a rock and a kind soul.
That’s so wonderful that these brands and friends got you through so much.
Thanks for sharing Jamie, I’m so glad we met,
Janet
I can always count on you, Janet, to say the right things. “Showing up” is important to me so I so appreciate that comment. Love you, GF! (yes- that John of mine is a keeper, for sure!)
What a year! The struggle with aging parents is real. Hits you smack dab in your face and reminds you of your own mortality. I love hearing about all your collaborations and girl trips! At 61 years of age myself- that’s what I would love to do. Unfortunately I work full time and will live vicariously through you at the moment
Smack dab in the face is right! (so is the own mortality part…)
I’m going to just keep trudging along, Mileah. I’m glad you’re someone who likes to follow along on the ride.
Jamie…I love your wit and style. Your posts and pics are so fun. Here’s to a much better year…you’ve earned it 😉 .
Holly, I treated myself to a pair of really expensive shoes on this last trip to Paris and I thought “Well, with all I’ve been through – I sort of feel like I’ve earned these.”
*** I have yet to wear them. TOO afraid of damaging them!! Thanks for the nice comment. xoxoxo
Blessings for a happy and healthy new year! Love your instagram and blog!
Thanks, Annette! I always like when someone over here also has a love for IG. Oddly, IG also got me through … just to scroll through the feed often took me away from it all. HNY!
Hang in there, kid. You’re a tough cookie, and there are a lot of folks who have your back. xxx
And I know you’re one of them. XO!
Jaime, wow, just wow. I so appreciate you sharing this, I know how painful it must have been but in doing so, I think you’ve brought to light something a lot of women don’t realize. As someone over 50, I too have fallen when I least expected it twice in the last 5 years. I brushed it off without consequence both times but should have had someone take me to the hospital for tests. In hind site I probably had mild concussions. In sharing this with girlfriends discovered that 2 of them had also fallen and not told anyone. You are doing a wonderful thing in sharing your story. We may feel bulletproof but we are not! Even after such an accident and the ensuing family tragedies, you handled yourself with spunk and grace. Blessings to you and your family for 2019, because of you, I too got to travel vicariously to France, thank you!
Ok – now it’s my turn to say Wow! I never thought about my head injury and how that might impact others. I was more focusing on all the “other stuff” after that accident. It was a very strange feeling to feel my brain “swish” around when I fell … I actually felt that. But then brushed it off once I felt better. It was only a few hours later that it shut my body down. (my dr described it like my body “unplugged” itself from the wall … then plug back in) #reboot — yes, falls should be taken seriously.
You’ll have to go to France in real life sometime. It’s lovely, although I’ll take the good ‘ole USA anytime.
Thank you for sharing, Jamie. I had no idea that you were smiling through a LOT this past year. I am grateful for your hubby and all who gave you support as you navigated all this. It is my sincerest home that 2019 holds a lot more joys and less stress for you!
Mine, too ~ and THANK YOU, Dee. I always appreciate you and your kind words.
Wishing you and John a wonderful and fun 2019!
Thanks, MJ!!! xoxo
Holy smokes Jamie….lotta love out there, lotta love ❤️
I KNOW, girl – and I appreciate all of them and you, too! This totally helped me wrap up this year and to try to just move forward.
Hello Jamie~Wowsa what a post ~. I appreciate so much you sharing it all with us ~I love your blog posts~. I’m thankful I know you even if many miles separate us~. I, too have a few aging parent challenges~ I’m right there with you~ so thankful your life was spared~~. Big hug my friend~ until we meet again.~~. Much love, Shelley
Well, thank you – Shelley! I know you’re only a state over. Big hug back — (still have that coat?)
Jamie, you are such a trooper, and such an inspiration. No one would ever guess you went through so many trials in 2018.
You were always beautiful and professional, giving the impression your life was filled only with (beds of) roses and (bowls of) cherries.
My hope for you is that in 2019 you will have great joys and bountiful blessings. Your admiring friend, Willa
Lovely words, Willa! I feel like 2019 will be a fab one.
So sorry your year has been filled with SO much emotional stuff. But I’m in awe that you have been a me to have cintinued focus in the blog and meet your brand commitments.
I too have had a year whivh has brought me to my knees at times but also given me opportunities to see the mustard I’m made of.
Praying we both see more happiness and joy in 2019!
Hugs & Blessings!
Paula
http://www.dimplesonmywhat.com
I know you have, Paula. We need to just trudge on — hugs and blessings to you, too!
Jamie
I am so sorry you had such an absolutely awful year. It’s amazing what we can do when we have to. Please give yourself time to recover. Love to you and John.
I know – I was pretty resilient. Who knew? Love to you, too, Anita!
Wow, Jamie … even though I’ve been following along all year and knew everything, when you put it all in one post it really does boggle the mind! How brave and strong you are, Lady! I’m wishing you the easiest and happiest 2019 possible!
Much love
Dawn Lucy
Thank you, Dawn — you’ve been there with me and you’re the best!
Oh my goodness Jamie! You have had such a roller coaster of a year. Your positivity is always inspiring and your family is lucky to have you taking such good care of them. Hoping 2019 brings only GOOD things your way!
Thank you, sweetie! Onward and upward. XO
Jamie,
That was a lot to go through. Lot’s of ups and downs! I hope 2019 proves to be a wonderful year with way more ups!
I’m sure it will be, Kim! Thanks for always being there.
Jamie…..You and your husband have been through the ringer and you handled it all with with grace, humility and class. So sorry for all that you experienced and on the passing of your father. Wishing you both a fabulous 2019.
Thank you, Heidi — lovely to say! HNY to you, as well.
Condolences, Jamie, on the loss of your father. Losing a parent is a loss and a pain like no other. So sorry for your loss.
My goodness, you surely did have a whirlwind year! So many dips and highs! Your poor psyche took a beating! I hope 2019 brings you a peace and calmness. You truly need the time to heal your soul. It’s only afterwards, looking back, that we can realize what a mass of turmoil we survived!
Yes, I also had a period in my life (a few short years ago), when fate handed me almost too much to bear. My younger sister lost her husband unexpectedly. She was devastated! It hurt my heart to see her like that, and I took a few months out of my life to stay with her and help her sort her life out (I was truly worried about her emotional state). Then, I suffered severe hip bursitis, followed by agonizing sciatica (for months! That is a pain like nothing else!). Not long after that, I lost a very dear friend to a sudden brain cancer. That was a shocker…she was so young and vital. Another dear friend moved, and my beloved pet of 14+ years became suddenly very ill, and I lost her within a 12-hour period, even though I was taking her from my regular vet and then to the urgent care pet hospital for overnight care, but I lost her… I never left her side. It truly was one of the worse days of my life. My heart was ripped apart, and I was in a bad, sad place by the time all these things had happened. And somewhere in all that (the facts blur, as you well know), I too had a terrible fall (out watering flowers, and tripped on the patio). I felt my brain jostle when I hit, and I barely caught myself in time to avoid a total face plant! My out-thrust chin took a hard lick. My husband was still here before work, and I managed to get back inside the house and have him take me to Urgent Care. I knew I had suffered a concussion. How I got up and got inside, I do not know. He would have found me sooner or later! I came so very close to falling onto a waist-high rock wall head-first. I’m not sure if I would have survived that, or at the very least I would have suffered much more severe injury. ~ Our angels watch over us and protect us!
Yes, all these things took a great toll on me physically and mentally.
Jamie, it takes time to get over such a barrage of emotional and physical hits. Give yourself time, and appreciate the strong survival skills you possess, but do not feel weak if you need a break, and do not neglect yourself. Find time to heal! Hugs!!! – Love your fabulous blog, and I’m happy to see what pleasure it gives you! ~~ XO
Betty – Thank You. Pets, friends, family … too much. (My hubby has a sciatica issue, BTW, and I can SEE his pain) The fact that you, too, experienced the brain jostle (I call it swish) — I simply did not connect mine to a concussion. I wish I had, I then would have sought care as well.
I do know all this takes time and this year I’m doing lots of self care, trying to unplug from social media (difficult but hugely part of a bloggers life) and live in the moment. HUGS back!!
Wow!!! I’m so amazed that you were able to keep up with your blog with all of that going on in your life! I’m sure glad you did. My husband passed away very suddenly in 2012. Grief is a hard thing. I try writing about it- you’ve mention how cathartic this post was for you! I so understand that!!
I’m sorry you lost your sister and are having to deal with all that comes with aging parents by yourself. I don’t know what I would do without my sister who takes on the bulk of responsibility with our parents. Sometimes we just have to hang on and somehow get through- we don’t have a choice! You are an inspiration, and I wish you a wonderful 2019!!
Thanks so very much, Sharon. The load of the parent responsibility was often too much … thankful that my hubby was with me. (I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your husband – mine has been my rock) HNY to you — mine WILL be better. xoxo
Life is never unpredictable so we need to find time for self care. After dealing with the stress of caring for a parent with dementia (only child here) and her passing from an unexpected aneurysm, I had to deal with my own health crisis. Stress messes with your immune system and opens the door to many health problems. I have learned to take time to “smell the roses.” Wishing you a healthy, happy new year.
Thank you and I’m so sorry to hear about your Mother. I am paying very close attention to any health changes… and doing lots of self-care. xoxoxo
Correction: that should be “Life is never predictable.” If it was unpredictable, we could prepare.
Jamie,
I’m sorry to hear about the tumor Blu was diagnosed with. And my bad for thinking she is “he.” Praying she gets better. Sorry to hear about all the challenges you faced in 2018. But now that those storms are over, here’s to a fantabulous 2019.
And to you, TOO, Alicia!!!