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Farewell 2024, Hello 2025

Farewell 2024, Hello 2025

Welcome to the Peppers’ 18th Annual Year-in-Review Photo Montage 2024 Recap.

As many of you know, Stella died in June, so despite all of the good things (grandchildren, friends, family, travel) there’s been a cloud hanging over us for much of this year. Our hearts are broken. I have a goal to write a full post and share some thoughts and pictures of Stella through the years. Yet I haven’t found the_____(fill in the blank – courage, strength, energy, emotional and mental space) to making that happen. I plan to have that completed by June 29, 2025, one year from the day she died.

This year’s montage is longer, because I have a lot of photos and videos of Stella to honor her sweet life and the love she brought to ours.

May your 2025 overflow with life’s sweet moments, creating lasting memories with those who fill your heart.

Cheers to the journey ahead and to spreading the love whenever and wherever you can. Please do so in honor of Stella who filled our lives–every.single.day–with unconditional love and trust.

“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”
~Victor Hugo (from Les Misérables)

6 Comments

  1. Bev Roth

    Thank you for sharing this lovely montage of life, love and loss. Watching your tender care of Stella reminds me of the dogs we’ve loved and wept over, over the decades. Your Pine Siskin visitor reminded me of the Louisiana water thrush who crashed into our deck window, was knocked out, …. recovered and lived to fly off, to the happy squeals of my granddaughters….

    I first got acquainted with you while finding my way through a trimalleolar fracture in 2016.

    Thank you for your always-positive focus. My blessings are with you and yours in the year ahead.

    1. It’s lovely to hear from you, Bev. Thank you for reaching out. I’m grateful for your kind words and understanding. Hard to believe it’s been 9 years since your trimalleolar fracture.

      Wishing you and your family a beautiful year ahead. 💜

  2. Nancy

    So very sorry about Stella going to the Rainbow Bridge—I know how important she was in your life.
    You and my pug Henry got me through my broken ankle in 2019–I am and will always be forever grateful. . Henry passed away at 10 years old this past March—I was beyond and still am devastated . I understand and feel your pain. My prayers, thoughts and love are with you and your family.

    1. Nancy, I am sad to read about Henry’s death. He held such an important space in your life. He was your sweet boy. I know you understand the pain and heartbreak we feel over Stella, and my heart aches for you as you go through this. I’m so sorry for your loss.

      I’m sending love and comfort your way. 💔

  3. Karen Decker

    Thank you for remembering my dad. Seeing his name and photo in your New Year’s messages brought tears to my eyes.

    Likewise, your pain at losing Stella is relatable. She looks such like a sweetheart. 💔

    There was something in your video montage about Bristol, RI. Do you live there now?

    I enjoyed spending time with your mother while my father was in hospice. She’s a remarkable woman. I hope she’s doing well with her new knee.

    All the best to you and your extended family in the new year. Keep in touch.

    1. Karen,

      Thank you so kindly for taking the time to message me. You and your sisters have been very much on my mind, and I send you my deepest sympathies. Ralph, like my dad, was quite the character–a big presence in our lives, thus a big loss. Please accept my apologies for not reaching out to you, first. Admittedly, with just getting through my work weeks, I haven’t managed my personal time well lately.

      That one image of your dad was from Penn State. A couple of years ago, I found the leather jacket (seen on my dad in that pic) and we gave it to my nephew.

      Thank you for taking my mom to say good-bye to your dad. It meant a lot to her. There’s been too much loss. I’m so sorry, Karen.

      Sending love your way. 💔

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