i began writing this series in may 2022, not intending to make it a tradition. but it stayed—and so did you. thank you for showing up each month.
lots to talk about today…
in a time that feels heavy and uncertain, my oldest daughter is doing something brave in a very quiet way. she’s following a dream she’s carried since she was a child — becoming a flight attendant with united airlines.
she took the longer road to get here. she did college. she worked in corporate america. and when it became clear her heart was leading her somewhere else, she listened. the training process has been intense, and she’s loving it in a way that feels deeply right for her. she has two and a half weeks left in texas before she earns her wings.
the photo above was taken by her boyfriend on the day she left for training at the beginning of january — a seven-week stretch. i’ve always been proud of her. right now, i mostly feel a deep sense of peace, knowing she’s where she’s meant to be. more than anything, that’s what i want for my children — to find their way toward what feels true, and to be happy there.
a few days before ella’s birthday, mike had an unexpected stay at the hospital. he went in with shortness of breath, and testing showed that his heart was working much harder than it should — his pumping function was around 15%, when a typical range is closer to 40–50%. he had a cardiac catheterization (which, thankfully, showed no blockage), stayed through the weekend for observation, and then had a cardioversion that monday.
he’s feeling good now, thanks to medication, change in diet, and an incredible cardiac team. the next step comes in mid-february, when he’ll have open-heart surgery to address mitral valve disease and afib. it’s a lot to wrap our heads around, and we’re taking it one step at a time — preparing where we can, and letting ourselves be supported in ways we might not have before.
there’s a strange mix of emotions here. some gratitude, some relief, and a kind of numbness that comes when life asks you to absorb big news all at once. if this is the first you’re hearing of it, please know we’re still processing in real time.
what we keep coming back to is this: we’re grateful this was caught, grateful there’s a plan, and grateful that mike is here and able to take this next step. he brushed past warning signs for a while, and it feels like a gift that we’re here now, moving forward.
i’ll share more as we go. this space has helped me make sense of so much over the past few years, and i know it will be a place i lean on again. 💜
this year, on ella’s 18th birthday, her dad was in the hospital and her sister was out of state. it was a quieter day than usual, and there was sadness in that. i let her feel it. i sat with her in it. i love her fiercely, and i’m endlessly grateful for the person she is becoming.
we decided to celebrate her half birthday instead — july 11 — when we can all be together and celebrate her in the way she deserves.
this month has felt strangely universal—full of little moments that made me smile and notice life in its quiet, funny, beautiful ways. i kept seeing connections to the past: the year mike and i moved into this house, the year we first dated, little memories surfacing online, and songs from 2005—the same year we started our journey in this home—that suddenly feel alive again.
it’s hard to put all these feelings into words, but i’m so grateful he’s still here. grateful that we have two beautiful, soulful, wonderful daughters. there were so many chances it could have gone differently, and yet here we are, noticing the good, holding onto it, and feeling life’s impermanence and its beauty at the same time. even while the world feels like it’s falling apart, moments like this remind me how good life can feel.
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A Grace Full Life 
You really do have a lot on your plate these days. Congrats to your oldest daughter for realizing Corporate America wasn’t for her and deciding to follow her dreams instead…and I’ll send as much positive energy as possible to ensure Mike a safe operation and speedy recovery.
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Thank you so much! It really is a lot right now, but we’re so proud of Anna for following her dream. Your positive energy for Mike means so much—it’s felt and appreciated more than I can say. 💜
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Oh Kari, I’m thinking of you, sending you positive thoughts and virtual hugs. I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with this. You kept so many beautiful quotes and photos. Thank you for sharing them. And I’m so happy for your daughter following her dream.
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Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and hugs—they mean a lot. It’s been a lot to hold, but I’m glad the quotes and photos resonated with you. We’re so proud of Anna and thrilled she’s following her dream. 💜
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What a month! This felt especially resonant because a cousin recently made the switch from corporate America to being a flight attendant (also a lifelong dream) with Alaska Airline, and my uncle was hospitalized the last few weeks for afib with the same procedures and plans. I’ll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Here’s hoping February is kind and gentle to you. Sending hugs xx
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Thank you so much. It sounds like you’ve had a full month too! I’m glad your cousin is following their dream—there’s something really special about that kind of leap. Sending your uncle all the best for a smooth recovery. We’re hoping February brings a bit of calm and gentleness too. Hugs right back to you 😘💜
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😘💜
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Kari! you found Alain de Botton! YAY! loved all of your soul homework shares (thank you). rooting for Mike! rooting for your daughter! holding your hand across the interwebs! <3
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I did! And I saw a poem in your post too—what a cool coincidence. Thank you so much for cheering us on and for holding my hand across the interwebs. It means more than you know. 😘💜
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I am honestly overwhelmed for you. You, my friend, have the most positive outlook on it all. You are right that things could be much different now. You are in the right mind space and I’m guessing that Mike is as well. He will be a brand-new man come Spring and this will all be in the rearview mirror.
How exciting for your oldest daughter!!! There is no time like the present to follow your dreams. She will get to see the world! I am excited for her, and I hope you will share some of her adventures. I can’t wait to read what Ron has to say because I know he looked into being a flight attendant at one point. Is there a reason she chose United?
Sending you lots of hugs and caring thoughts. XO
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Thank you so much for this—it really means a lot. We’re taking things one step at a time, and it helps to hear that perspective. Spring feels like something to hold onto.
We’re so excited for Anna and proud of her for going after what she wants. Watching her step into this has been such a joy, and I’m sure her adventures will make their way here in some form. Thank you for the hugs and caring thoughts—I can feel them, my friend. 😘💜
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Oops, I forgot to answer about United. She’s always wanted to work for them because they’re based in Chicago—it was a dream she had even as a little girl. 💜
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Whew, that’s a lot to process. Wishing fair winds to your daughter with her new career and calming seas for your husband’s health trials. Open heart surgery is a major deal… though it’s very common and routinely performed these days. My husband had triple bypass and it was an emotional roller coaster which is the one thing the doctors don’t prepare you for. The physical recovery is taxing to be sure, but depression and mood swings are common with men. It will pass with time, but be ready for a lot of hand holding and positive reassurance .
And remember, we’re here when you need us.
💕
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Thank you SO much for this—it helps to hear from someone who’s been through it. Knowing what to expect emotionally is especially grounding, since you’re right, that part doesn’t get talked about enough. I’m so grateful for your honesty and for the reminder that we’re not alone. 😘💜
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The extreme emotions so close to the surface took us both by surprise. I wish I’d known it was a common side effect.
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Me too. 💔
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I really like that Wendell Berry quote. “unassailable serenity” = goals!
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I agree! 💜
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Congratulations to your daughter! How wonderful to watch as she finds herself.
LOVE the Wendell Berry quote.
And wow — your husband’s health news sounds like A Lot. Sending you both love and healing. xxoo
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Thank you so much. Watching her find her way has been such a joy. I’m so glad the Wendell Berry quote resonated with you—it stayed with me too. And yes, Mike’s health news has been a lot to hold, but we’re feeling surrounded by so much love. 😘💜
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I’m so sorry you had a hospital to deal with again, and worry for someone you love again seems eminently unfair. I feel like you already filled your quota on that. More is just… uncalled for, you know? But it seems like you handled it well for you, Mike, and your daughters- so kudos and I know that took effort. Hope you’re doing okay over there, and soaking up a bit extra sunlight and sitting with an extra cup of tea or two to come down from it all.
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Thank you, that really means a lot. It’s rare and grounding when someone can see what you’ve been through. I’m taking lots of moments to appreciate those litte things—and it’s making me quietly happy.😘💜
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Oh that is so exciting! Wishing you daughter all the luck with her training/new job. So glad that they caught everything with Mike in time to turn it around for all of you. Praying all goes well with his surgery! I have been re-watching Schitt’s Creek again these past couple of weeks and it really does just make me so happy. It never fails to make me laugh.
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Thank you so much! We’re really excited for Anna and grateful that Mike’s issue was caught in time. Your prayers mean a lot. And yes, Schitt’s Creek is the best—always good for a laugh, no matter how many times you watch it!
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❤️
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💜
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I love what you said about what you want for your children: to find their way what feels true and to be happy there. Yes! I wish that for Tim all the time and put it out to god/the universe. I’m so proud of Anna for following her dream. Not many people do that. They stay stuck wherever they are because it’s their comfort zone. I can’t believe Ella is 18. When I met you, she was just a little girl. She has turned out to be such a beautiful young woman, inside and out. Now onto Mike…well, I knew about this before I read your blog, so I won’t say too much here. I’ve been thinking about you guys all the time. It’s really a major thing to face for both of you. You have such a good, positive attitude and I know that will sustain both of you through the surgery. I’m so glad this was caught and can be corrected and that Mike can be back on the right path. I didn’t know that he had mitral valve disease. So does Brian (MVP). He does see a cardiologist though and so far, so good.All the quotes in this post had me swooning – especially the one by Wendell Berry. (Love him and somehow had never heard this one.) These quotes are all going in my quote journal!Beautiful sunrise video. As you know, I’m not a morning person, so I never see the sunrise. Thank you for sharing!And your grandkitty…could he possibly be any cuter than in that Facetime photo?!We loved Schitt’s Creek when we watched it a few years ago. I had bought Brian a Rosebud Motel tshirt but he only wore it a couple of times. It was just hanging there in the closet so I wore it for the first time on Jan 30th – the day Catherine O died. Weird, huh?xoxo
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Thank you so much for your sweet words, friend. I’m so glad our adult children are doing what they love—it really feels like the best thing we could hope for them. And I can’t believe Ella is 18 either—it feels like yesterday she was just starting school. As you know, Mike’s diagnosis has been a lot to process, but we’re relieved it was caught and that he’s on the right path. I didn’t realize Brian has mitral valve too—what a coincidence! I’m so happy the quotes resonated with you, especially the Wendell Berry one, and that the sunrise video reached you even if mornings aren’t your favorite. And yes, grandkittyy never fails to steal the show. What a cool coincidence about the tshirt and Catherine O’Hara- I love stuff like this. No accidents. 💜😘🌈
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Wow, there IS a lot there, Kari. How fortunate Mike’s’ condition was discovered and there’s a treatment plan. Sending extra good juju.
Good luck to your daughter in her flight attendant journey- how exciting! And congratulations on another adult in the family!
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Thank you so much! We’re really relieved Mike’s condition was caught and that there’s a plan in place. Anna’s journey has been so exciting to watch, and yes—it’s hard to believe we have another adult in the family! Your good juju means a lot.💜🌈
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You’re very welcome, take good care. 💜🌈
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You too, my friend. 💜
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Those fuzzy slippers look amazing.
That birthday cake (and icing type)… also amazing.
Gratitude for Mike getting good care and a plan in place.
My sister was a flight attendant for a while until the regional airline shuttered. It was by far her most favorite and excited period of life. I think she always wanted to return to the skies. We’ve a good friend that currently makes that their vocation and they say it’s worth every bit of training, patience and crazy scheduling.
Speaking of gratitude, when we get over freezing temps for a string of seven days, I’m going to be so very thankful.
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The slippers and cake were definite bright spots. We’re so relieved Mike has good care and a clear plan now. Anna is loving her training—it’s exciting to see her thrive, and it sounds like your sister felt the same joy in her time as a flight attendant. And yes, I can’t wait for a string of warmer days—gratitude will be overflowing then. 💜
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CONGRATS to your daughter in becoming a flight attendant with United! BRAVA! I know several flight attendants who work for various airlines, and they too said that the training process was intense.
Happy to hear that Mike is feeling better now and grateful that it was caught. And yes, I’m sure this has been a lot to wrap your heads around. As you said, just take one step at a time. I’m having to learn that quite a bit right now – taking one step at a time and trusting.
LOVE that pic of Ella with her pink birthday cake!!!
And being a huge squirrel-lover, I also love that pic through the window!
It’s so ironic that you mentioned feeling “grateful” lately. ME too! In fact, that’s going to be the theme of this next decade for me – GRATITUDE.
Enjoyed reading this, my friend! Hope you’re having a fantabulous week!
X
P.S. So sad about Catherine O’Hara :( I loved her in all the Christopher Guest films.
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Thank you, friend! We’re so proud of Anna—she’s loving every minute of it. Taking things one step at a time really does help. I’m so glad you enjoyed the pictures—Ella’s cake was what saved her birthday, and the squirrels never fail to entertain. Gratitude sounds like a beautiful theme for your decade ahead. I hope your week is wonderful too. So sad about Catherine O’Hara—she was brilliant.💜
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Oh Kari, sending you the biggest of hugs right now. Life can be a right bugger, and I’m sorry that Mike is having to deal with cardiac issues, but grateful that he’s OK and being held by a medical team you have confidence in. Your attitude is amazing and is the best way forward (which I know you know). Sending much love for his continued progress and for a successful surgical intervention later this month.
And as for your picture trying to capture grey hairs – they all look blonde! Honestly.
Take good care my lovely friend 💕💕💕
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Thank you so much for your love and hugs. It really helps to hear that, especially with everything going on with Mike. We’re grateful he’s in good hands and hopeful for the month ahead. And I’ll take your compliment on the gray hairs—they do have a certain shine! Sending love back to you.😘💜
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Oh & congrats to your daughter – I’m sure she’ll have an amazing time as a flight attendant. My oldest friend was one for many Canadian airlines after starting in corporate, and absolutely loved it (and met her pilot husband that way).
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Thank you! We’re really excited for her, and it helps to hear stories like your friend’s—sounds like such an adventure and a wonderful path.
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Girl, you have a lot going on. I’m so happy for Anna! As a Mom, I love when you see their light bulb moment and can finally take a deep breath. She’s going to do great! Now you have a legal 18 year old! Love the cat picture. It made me laugh!..and Mike? I’m so happy he is going to be well taken care of and healthy. You guys are going to have a great summer, after this is all said and done. Thinking of you all..xoxo
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It really has been a lot, but watching Anna take this next step is such a relief and joy (and good distraction). Mike being in good hands takes a weight off all of us, and we’re hoping for a calm, happy summer ahead. 😘💜
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Happy birthday, dear Ella! Hey, sometimes our actual birthday isn’t the best day to celebrate, but it’s a moment in time, and we can celebrate anytime we please. (or all the time!)
I’m so happy for Anna! I pray she enjoys this new career and that she is always safe. I agree; seeing your children reach for and achieve their dreams and goals is the best elixir ever.
I’m so happy that Mike is in good hands, that the issue has been found, and that he will be as good as new (ish) this coming year. Praying for all of you. I know it’s a lot, but with your deep love and care, you will all get through this.
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Thank you so much. I love what you said about celebrating birthdays anytime—it’s a good reminder. We’re so grateful for Mike’s care and for Anna moving toward her dream, and your prayers and good wishes mean a lot. It’s a lot to hold, but we’re getting through it, one step at a time.
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So we pivot and find a way and keep going. I’ve seen a lot of folks saying that the month of January was a whole year, but in your saves from the past month I see a whole life. All the parts that matter, anyway. Beauty and grief and fear and sadness and hope and growth and comfort all stitched together by love. It’s the thread that holds your collection of images and words together into a whole.
(I am quietly delighted by my few gray hairs. They feel like a badge of honor that I’ve earned. I know you have, too.)
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You put that so beautifully—I love how you see the threads of love stitching everything together. It really does feel like a lifetime packed into a month sometimes. And yes, the grey hairs feel like earned badges, little reminders of everything lived and learned. Thank you for seeing it that way with me. 💜
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Oh, my. As I keep asking, “How many months were in January?!” You certainly felt that with all of this upheaval and transition. I’m thankful that Mike is being cared for and that his concerns are treatable.
Like you, all I want is for my kids to be happy and healthy and to realize as many of their dreams as possible. How exciting and gratifying that your daughter is headed off to fulfill her longstanding dream at last.
More grey hairs have definitely shown up for me this winter, and I’m okay with that. They are my mantle of grace and wisdom, each one accumulating as do those traits with each passing year. I wish I could say the same thing about patience.
You kept many, many good things here. I always enjoy reviewing them with you. Thank you for sharing them.
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Thank you for your kind words. It’s been a lot lately, but hearing your perspective helps me slow down and appreciate the little wins, like Mike getting care and my daughter moving toward her dream. I love your idea of grey hairs as a mantle of grace and wisdom—that’s a lovely way to see it. I’m grateful you take the time to read and reflect with me.
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I truly appreciate these posts.
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I appreciate you saying this. Thank you, friend. 💜
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Kari, January was beautify and trying at the same time. Your daughters, your husband. Glad it all worked out but you must have been so worried. Hugging you!
My son turned six in January, and we celebrated him with a lot of love and Mine craft legos. Books, cuddles and mushies. He goes “mom, can you mush me?” But, of course! LOL
My daughter is eight and is amazing. She wants to be a dancer when she grows up. We are next to NYC so maybe, just maybe, she can make it work. But, again, she is eight.
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Thank you so much. January really was both of those things, and yes, I was worried, but I’m grateful for where we landed. Your kids sound absolutely wonderful. Minecraft legos, books, cuddles, and mushies feels like the very best kind of six. And an eight-year-old who wants to be a dancer, especially so close to NYC, feels full of possibility, even if it’s still just dreaming for now. Holding all that love at once is a beautiful thing. Hugging you right back.💜
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Are you reposting earlier posts ? I got 2 in my feed from 2019 ??
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Yes- long story.
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What an exciting adventure for Anna! (And how is Ella 18?!?) Keep up your strength, drink lots of water and eat lots of chocolate–you guys have got this!
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Thank you, friend! Chocolate is what is sustaining me 🤣😘💜
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It’s the middle of the night and I just realized you mentioned Mike’s upcoming heart surgery in a comment on one of my posts, and I got so caught up in other parts of the conversation that I didn’t reply about the important part: Mike. So I came to your blog to see where you talk about it in full instead of a quick mention in a comment. So glad I did.
Good grief what a thing to learn suddenly, then to have to prep for surgery right after, good god. I’m thinking of you.
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Thank you, Shelly. His surgery is tomorrow, so it’s nice to read this today. 😘
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Kari I am sending you & your husband all the love & healing 💚 I wish I had spoons to write more but just know I am thinking of you all.
And I believe your Dad is watching over you guys … keeping his arms around you in protection. He’s a good Dad like that 💚
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Oh friend, this is all I need. Thank you for this comment. I feel your love and healing, and I’m sending it right back to you. I hope you can feel it.
I believe he is too, Maddie. We’ve seen signs all week, even in the hospital parking garage. 💜
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Jeez! WAY too much on your plate, and poor Ella! A half-birthday celebration is definitely in order. And 18! My goodness.
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I know! What a month!
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I’m really behind on the blog world and was starting to feel like maybe I need to take a break – getting caught up feels overwhelming when I’m this behind, but I’m glad I popped over here to see what is going on in your world. Goodness. Sending prayers for healing to Mike and peace to you. This is so scary, but so much better to have caught it. Also congrats to your oldest on her career shift. Sounds like a good move, and potentially . . . discounted flights for the fam? Happy birthday to Ella. The cake is beautiful. Looks to good to eat. Oh wait, it’s cake -that’s not a thing. ;)
Take care! xo
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Thank you! Free airfare for Mike and me, so that’s a lovely perk. ✈️💙
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