Q03

Think about a major milestone that happened with your family this past year. How has this affected you?

Major breakthroughs in relationships with both parents. Hard, scary, exhausting, but important. Still much work to be done. Mom finally sees reason for therapy, and might do therapy with dad after he and my brother start and make some headway.

I mentioned in another day the various travels-- especially for National History Day. I don't think we hit any other major milestones this past year, but Lucy's bat mitzvah is 9 weeks away and so, much of the past several months have been about planning, learning, connection, and so forth.

Major milestone is my mother's death. it's blown the family in ways that probably needed to happen. we held it together for her. i was amazed at how neutral and open everyone was how patient with each other they were but in fact it was all there festering. we were all pretending to please my mom . she knew and she just let us do what we needed to do. we are great at partying. i am left confused as a sibling and as a clinician intrigued and curious about the constellation and positioning the repositioning that is happening. also new information is being given... we all have something we've held on to. I know I have..

Ugh. Obviously, Greg's death. It's affected everything, our family dynamic, finances, the workload around the house, how loved and connected I feel, etc. I am so grateful for the boys and their different ways of showing support to me. They're doing a great job of moving ahead towards their futures, and also reinforcing our connection as a family.

Cora started kindergarten and it’s been SO stressful. She gets in trouble a lot and has been to the office so much. It’s been very stressful, but also drawn me closer to God, which is always the goal and well worth the stress.

After struggling with cancer I needed some time for myself. So I took a solo trip where I met my long distance lover to have a steamy weekend. It was all fun until I was alone again. I crashed and it made me realise I was not at all better mentally. It made me finally take the step of seeing a therapist. I still struggle sometimes but a lot less.

My marriage ending. Initially I was terrified and heartbroken. Now I am finding my way back to who I am without accommodating someone else, who isn't my biggest cheerleader. My confidence is slowly returning and I am spending a bit more time with friends and family outside Newbury on my childfree weekends. I am reminding optimism.

I spoke about this on day one but my mother was diagnosed with dementia after struggling with various things for 2 years. By the time we received her diagnosis she was in the hospital and then in memory care just a month and a half later. Everyday is a little bit of progressive grieving. My humor is much darker. If I can't laugh about it (probably in a dark way) then I probably don't want to talk about it. I'm very thankful that she was a good investor and therefore we have the funds for her to receive excellent care. But I go to see her almost everyday and even the good days kind of suck. This too will pass. But it feels like it's going to be forever.

Again, Bat and Bar Mitzvah time for the family as a whole. So truly grateful for the way we managed it all. No competition between us, no anxiety between my sister and I. We talked and chatted almost daily and it was great. I was so grateful for all the family love and support as well.

Our relationships have grown closer and stronger, which has helped me feel confident and more secure.

My stepson got married! That meant that we took an amazing trip to Norway for his wedding. It was so good to have a joyful ocassion to celebrate, especially now.

My sister psssed the bar, my nephew aced the Mcats and I became a life coach.,

My aunt turned 90 and it was a great celebration. However seeing my parents aging is not pleasant.

Not sure that my family had reached any major milestones this year but my niece is nearing 8 years of age, and I see changes in her. She is starting to shed her little girl qualities and exert more independence and pre-teen qualities - and a stronger point of view or attitude. It is not enjoyable to witness because she is often pulling away, but seems to be a part of life. I hope she and I will have a close bond and a joy for travel once she heads to college/becomes a young adult.

Dad had CABG surgery in April. I really had to be there for him and mom. It was really mentally challenging. I'm so glad I was able to take off work for a short two week leave to be there with both of them. I also had to learn how to be my own compassionate witness and find internal validation since I wasn't receiving external validation from either of them during the challenging time. I ended up getting gratitude and praise later but when I needed it at the moment it had to come from within.

Anthony has worked hard to get that welder experience in! Ale will be a yoga instructor and shld be almost a year done with masters! Our relationship has definitely had its up and downs but worth the work that we have put in

Doron leaving was a major milestone. It’s hard but the house is calmer, cleaner and happier.

The arrival of a second grandchild. The possibility of having to sell our family home has upset me a lot. Dealing with spouses depression has also caused major upsets both physical and mental.

We had our family reunion - the only one that most of my generation attended. We also were able to gather for the first time to remember our youngest cousin who died in 2017 (ish?) - along with my mom (whose funeral some had been able to attend.) It made me feel closer to my cousins, and have the joy of introducing my boyfriend to my family and feeling him integrate there.

Well, I have no family, except a sister in Houston and a few cousins spread all over the country. We never see each other except on Facebook, and except for my sister, are not really involved in each others' lives. That really, saddens me, because we all grew up not really knowing each other, and now we are getting close to the end of our lives and I, for one, really need them. My sister and I have a sometimes difficult relationship. We text rather than speak, because its safer that way. Oh, did I mention I live in NJ? That's a long way from Houston! The last time we saw each other was in 2012, when I went down to take care of my youngest brother who was dying in hospice. I am so grateful I could be there, and we were never so close. My sister, on the other hand, was openly hostile. To this day, I think she is still angry at me for not moving with the family when my father was transferred to Houston in 1969. That's a long time to hold a grudge! But you see, she is 12 years younger than I am, and as a toddler she used to call me Mommy, and I was more her mother than her sister. She was only nine when they moved away, and grew up without me. There are things I wish I could have done differently, but at that time, I had to protect myself, take care of myself. (A VERY long story!) So, over the years we have seen each other only at holidays, always filled with stress and tension, not the best of circumstances to make up for lost time. I said earlier that we text rather than speak. Even that is fraught, and there have been many times over these years that she has cut me off because of something said. I call them the "What just happened???" moments, and then there is no contact from her for months and months, and I just have to wait her out, on her schedule. But this year, with what's been going on in the country, and especially in Texas these last few months, I couldn't wait her out. The outrageous behavior of Gov. Abbott and his Republicans worried me, and I was worried for her, so I texted her to see if she was okay. That was this summer, and we've been communicating ever since. But there is a different feeling about our conversations, now-- more humor, more supportive of each other. Neither of us can afford to travel to visit each other, and frankly, I HATE Houston(!), and she would love to get out of Texas but is trapped there because of finances. But, for now, we have each other! (I know this may not sound like a big deal to most, but when you've grown up in such a grotesque, dysfunctional family such as ours, this is a BIG accomplishment!! And I know this is a long narrative, but it seemed necessary.) P.S. she pulled another "What just happened" moment, and this time I told her to grow up! Not the nicest thing to say, but Im tired of being her punching bag!!

Same answer as question one: bring Marla into the world! I feel so lucky to have so many dreams come true. Again, I think constant gratitude for her and for what she brings to our family.

Five years married, and moved to share a house with friends! We threw an imperfect but fun party, and the moving process honestly has gone about as well as it could have. Relationally, it's been a year of deliberate connection; love with intent.

We finally got a dog. Her name is Lexi and she has greatly impacted our life. She has encouraged me to leave the house more and basically just threw a wrench in our life. But it was an amazing, beautiful, annoying, perfect wrench. I love her with all my heart 💖 💖 And I love you too Mele ❤️

My maternal family is having a reunion for the first time in 25 years and I won't be able to go.

Milestones imply progress, yes? In my case I saw many top level ones accomplished in my family to which I say: all the flowers. Less so the deep ones that result in self-possession, grace, foregiveness, and ease. Definitely could be me on this. The quotidian world, albeit on fire, is not getting my attention as much as the contemplation of existence itself.

Is it a milestone when a relative has an unplanned child with their girlfriend? Unplanned pregnancy -- maybe that is how most of humanity is born... Funny that the baby was born on the same day as baby's uncle. How has it affected me? I feel like I have to take a more active role in administering family wealth. After all, the uncle (and my older nephew) got aid and funds to go to college that originated with his grandfather, I feel that his half brother is entitled to some kind of help since he didn't go to college. And, that means I have to stop continually bailing out the older one of stupid choices that he was warned against making because I can't do both. Trouble is, the young father is politically ignorant and voted for the orange menace -- despite how that choice directly affects him on so many levels. Will he understand it when his baby mama stops being eligible for medicaid and food stamps? Wanting to help because they are family is up against me not wanting to give aid to anyone who was stupid enough to vote for a corrupt felon until they see the situation for what it is. I want them to repent their bad decision in exchange for family recognition -- but it doesn't work that way. I know that being moral is complicated. How to be helpful without contributin gto dysfunction.

An important part of our culture, the thread ceremony of my son was completed. Was grateful for the support to conduct this and also the blessings for him on the occasion.

When I think of family I always have 2 versions, my family that I built with my partner at home, and my biological family back in Canada. For my family at home, I don't think we really had any big milestone in the past year aside from N turning 16 and growing up fast, which is more a process than a milestone. Things at home have been easier, he does feel more mature in some ways even if new challenges arise with it. Combined with my mood improving it feels like a much less triggering environment when he's home with us. As for the Canada family, the latest "milestone" has been the friction between J and D after J's birthday cake problem, which is such a stupid thing but also revealed a massive difference between our values and the ones D carries. I don't know how this will unfold over time as for now the status is absolute silence and pretending nothing is happening. Sad for my dad who is in the middle of this, but he is not taking D's side in this which is reassuring. Other than that I guess J's blood results becoming a bit more worrying this year combined with her getting pretty sick in the past few days, sign that her immunosuppression now have a bit more of an impact, put us face to face with the fact that she has a cancer diagnostic that will probably eventually catch her up even if so far she had been asymptomatic. I pray this is just a small dip and not the beginning of a more difficult situation.

The milestone that is most noted is my 10th year of sobriety. My family is proud and I am humbled and grateful for their love and admiration.

I turned 71 and I’m letting go of holding on. For example, we have money and were going to spend it. For us, for others, for fun.

My husband and I celebrated our 40th anniversary. We shared it with our best friends who stood up for us when we married. It's hard to realize how much the four of us have changed with age, yet comforting that our friendship remains.

Hahahahahahaha! Really, I could just copy and paste my answer to #2. However, in fairness, Greg and I will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this Friday. We've been planning it for a while now. We're spending a lot of money on a party (not that that's important, but I didn't want to cook that much, and Greg didn't want to clean the house before and after), inviting all our friends and family. While not everyone can come, we will have about 40 guests. Stephen is procuring the alcohol and doing decorations. We're preparing a slideshow and playlist. Lots of food. Some speeches. Hopefully, everyone will have a good time. It's been 50 years. Marrying Greg was the best thing that I have ever done. In so many ways. We've worked hard and built a good life for ourselves. Our children are doing well (see #2), and we're both doing things we love. As I am 75, I have been looking over my life and reflecting a lot lately. What sets us apart from other life forms? AI? I've been assessing and evaluating, trying to accept and forgive my limitations and failing and t enjoy my strengths and accomplishments. On the whole, I think I've done more good than harm, some of it lasting.

My daughter reached 7th grade and her Bat Mitzvah year of study. I think the responsibilities and required independence that those entail are hard for her, but they're also helping her grow.

We had two major milestones this year: getting married and then having a baby. While getting married took a lot of work but was relegated in time, having our first child presented a lot of challenges and proved to be an indicator of how strong our relatiohip is. My husband was there with me the entire time, and childbirth was definitely easier having him with me, being supportive and involved (even if he had to deal with my pregnancy, chidbirth, and postpartum rage). Also, it's beautiful to see my husband become a father and discovering new things about our baby every day.

I stopped talking to my brother. My dad can no longer hear. I have lost contact with my family. I felt tremendous grief. Accepting the reality that my brother Louie has never invested time or energy on our relationship. I could - and have in the past rationalized his lack of participation based on his controlling wife. I realize now that it makes no difference what the reason is. Louie’s lack of involvement / connection with me for whatever the reason is what I must accept. It has reminded me that I am worthy of being met with equal time and energy. Anything less than that is one sided. I have let go of people; family and friends that have been in my life for this reason. I grieve. Once over the loss of the relationship. And second over the reality of the unequal time energy and value invested in the relationship. I love my family and friends. And I will continue to give them equal time energy and value. I see now who shows up for me. It has been difficult to realize who has not shown up for me. My time in this world is short. I must make the best use of it while I am here. I do not need to spend more time or energy on those who do not or will not do the same for me.

My son began meeting his 28 half siblings. It has been a benediction for him. I am so happy he has this beautiful tribe of love to buoy his life. He has moved to Brooklyn. As my life seems to be falling apart, his is changing in beautiful ways.

Mum's hip surgery and subsequent issues with her feet. I think she is rapidly reaching the point she should not be living by herself. Which means in reality I'll be the one ot look after her. Her periods of incapacity earlier this year were a preview of what that will be like. And I fear I am too selfish to do it. I said something similar last year, so who knows

Major milestone,.making my kid score good marks and getting him join college and made him live in a different city

An unexpected outcome of my travels abroad this year was a shift in my relationship with my family. While I was gone, I checked in with them periodically, but I didn't connect very much with Brian. That was partially because of his busy schedule, but I know I could have made a better effort. What I learned upon coming home was that my absence was really difficult for him, and he was resentful towards me for not keeping in better touch. What particularly hurt him however was what I said when he asked me if I had missed him. I hesitated, and then gave a qualified answer: I looked forward to seeing him again, but I didn't miss him per se. I didn't mean it to be hurtful, just candid. The truth is I was so in my element while traveling and so caught up in all of my new experiences that I didn't feel much longing at all for being home and seeing my loved ones. It doesn't mean I don't love them, but I didn't miss them in a pained sense. Since unpacking that together with Brian and doing some personal reflection, I realized that missing is an act and not just a passive feeling; it is the consequence of a conscious effort of nurturing a relationship with someone. I'd done a pretty good job of bringing that intentionality to my friendships, but I neglected it for my family because I was taking their love for granted. Since that learning, I've begun to bring more intentionality and care to my relationships with Brian, Mom, and Dad, calling them more often and checking in to see how they're doing. I always can do better, and I still wrestle with the balance of my give-and-take with Mom, but I am working on it, and as a result, I'm beginning to feel closer with all of them. I think something I had also been taking for granted was that my relationships with all three of them would never get stronger than they currently are, that our respective closeness had hit a plateau. But I am recognizing now how foolish that view is. We have many years ahead of us as a family and that carries plenty of potential for those relationships to strengthen. And though I've found refuge in my friendships, the reality is that my family know and love me in ways my friends will never be able to, so a greater degree of closeness with them is something I should be aspiring to. I want to be able to be more vulnerable with Mom and Dad and more real with them about the struggles and joys of my life, because too often our relationship is surface-level, and really that has always saddened me a bit. Not to mention, though they are both pretty healthy now, they are still showing their signs of aging, and it is not lost on me that I only have so many years left to spend with them in good health. This was a good wake-up call for me. I love traveling and being independent and having rich friendships, but these needn't come at the expense of my familial relationships, and I now look forward to centering this more in my life. If not to grow closer with them, then at the very least to show them that I love and appreciate them, in spite of the difficulties that family brings.

For me, my dissertation proposal being done and starting a full time job at Ball State was huge. It’s moved along my life at just the right time, providing health insurance and rest for me when I needed it most. God’s timing was better than my timing.

I turned 70, my wife 65, and our granddaughter started high school. I don't feel old, but I do feel a sense of senior accomplishment - meaning that I feel I've made it alive and intact with love and meaning in my life. Despite all the bad events and news eah day, I hope to experience joy in the next year no matter what happens to me.

We became three. The birth of our firstborn son has fundamentally changed my understanding of the love I have for my husband and the way I feel towards my own body and my personhood. We are tired and exhausted and some days are relentless, but we are also so much more full of joy than we ever have been. In many ways, falling in love and having a child are similar experiences - all encompassing and deeply physical. Children are a blessing, and each one is a gift from God. We hope to have as many as we can in the time we have. I have found the greatest purpose - the bring life into this world.

Well -- 2 weeks from today my son is getting remarried. So I supposed the milestone is that my son got engaged to a lovely woman. The planning is so very different when your offspring is in his 40's, not 20's. I am realizing that I'm peripheral in many ways to my children's lives.

Sophie's bat mitzvah was so inspiring.

I have been doing a lot of genealogy and my roots are pretty simple - English and Irish, Scottish and Germanic. No Jewish as much as I’d hoped there’d be. My question now is where does that put me? Evan? We were once very strict Jews but a lot has been lost with Evan working and time with his aides. I wish we could claw that back. It’s heartbreaking because of everything since Israel. We no longer have Jewish friends or even a synagogue. I think that hurts me the most.

My adult son became homeless because of drug addiction. This has been incredibly painful for me, and I’ve been torn in so many ways - help him, abandon him, what? It’s become an almost daily struggle dealing with his requests for help, and it’s been so hard to know what to do. I’ve had to make myself realize that he could die from this but that whatever happens, it’s ultimately not my responsibility - he made these choices. However, I’ve also learned so much, about addiction, and about myself.

My dad's Inclusion Body Myositis has really taken a hold, and he is losing strength in his arms and legs rapidly. My mom's essential tremor and macular degeneration get in her way, and she still has a ton of anxiety that she doesn't really manage in a sustainable way. I am starting to get a glimpse of life without both of them, and it is heartbreaking. I wish I could do more for and with them, but I live on the other side of the country. My sister lives 15 minutes away and might move back in with them. She and I have different ideas of how to "help" them, and it causes a lot of stress for me, probably for her, too. But I won't up and leave my home and job and ask my husband to do the same just to move back. It's tough news for all of us, but mostly my dad. I keep wondering how he really feels, because he doesn't really share his emotions with me or my sister. But I think he's probably pretty scared and depressed. I feel a little helpless, but I also feel comfortable with the life choices I've made. It's just sad. And it will get sadder.

Kid is in high school. Wow! I'm kvelling! She's turned out great so far and is getting excellent grades! My nieces and daughter were here for Thanksgiving, and it was fun. In 2024, my mom lost her pension and benefits for a while because I didn't take care of her annual benefit confirmation. This year my sister and I got it done before money was lost. I hope to visit my mom in November.

I have been able to re-establish a good friendship with my ex-wife. I have been able to do some things to help her and she has helped me as well to get through the summer months. I am grateful she still cares about me enough to want to make my life better.

My parents moved from our family home of over 20 years. Not only to a new neighbourhood, but to a new county and an altogether different part of the country. It’s a blessing to have them within closer reach and the reflections I’m making are from a place of gratitude and love. Yet the move from Norfolk has been difficult to accept when I remain so emotionally invested in the place. I still consider those endless fields and wind-swept beaches home but now feel an emptiness and a sense of loss. Holidays and weekend trips can return us to people and places yet will never replace the feeling of driving home; evening stretches on the A14 giving way to countryside that seemingly glowed in the late afternoon sun. It was my anchor in the sand and my sanctuary.

Our son was let go from his job, when the company downsized. He eventually found another position, and our daughter-in-law, who had been a stay at home mom for a decade, went back to work. He's not really happy, but feels stuck, because in today's world, the job market isn't that robust. On the other hand, she has really thrown herself into something she enjoys. I wish our son could find that kind of satisfaction in the workplace. It saddens me that someone so intelligent and creative isn't being fulfilled.

My sister graduated from high school and moved out of the house. I was glad to be able to be there for her and stand up for her. I am inspired to be able to support her better in the future. It's difficult since texts don't seem to work right on her phone.

My mother in law moved in with us in August. It’s too soon to tell how this change has effected me, but I have immediately noticed that I having more conversations. More “family” time.

It was the two-year anniversary of my father's passing a few weeks ago. It seems longer. I miss him, and I also miss not living alone. I know I'm making strides in reaching out and cultivating relationships, but sometimes I still get lonely. However, I value my peace and sense of personal space highly. It's a process to learn how to balance my need for connection with my need to maintain a sense of stability and personal space.

With Dad turning 90, and recognizing it's just a number, it's given me a lot of time to pause and consider our own impermanence in life and what that looks like as a legacy for the future. Being present for people in times of need, especially around grief. The period of time this summer when there was so much loss, and at such young ages, has fortified my commitment to live our values and hopefully not be too fearful of limited resources, but to enjoy the time we are granted to live what matters.

this has been a year of deaths.

My twin sons began high school! This is a huge milestone and they are both navigating the transition well. For so long my twin sons have been my focus. Them beginning high school is making me realize they will be out on their own soon and I need to figure out what will be the next big focus. Meanwhile my sons seem to always need a ride and $20!

My parents both turned 60 in early September, and it was amazing to be there with so many friends and family to celebrate.

Both of my step-kids got married. The weddings were wonderful and I felt very welcomed. Unfortunately my relationship with my husband has deteriorated. I hope if I am able to leave I will still have relationships with those wonderful humans and their partners.

I would say it have to be my wedding, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the thing that’s happened most recently that’s possibly taking away some of my objectiveness to the matter because it’s so emotional and fresh. And the thing I’m talking about is the death of my father. It was lovely that my whole family could be there together to say goodbye to my mother in a way that she could send me off with the first dance and it was neat to see my dad cry like a little boy was walking down the aisle. It’s actually kind of alarming because I’ve never seen him in such a state And and to see my siblings. Sad to see my mom do her dance with me was also really surprising because of the emotions involve. God gave me an imperfect yet perfect partner. He chose her for me and she chose me. It’s been super awesome to have her in my corner. Who knows what the future holds with us in our immediate family. But as long as I have her, I’m gonna treat it as a gift I’m also grateful for the extended family that I gained through the marriage. My in-laws are amazing.

On April Fool’s Day, Helen and I celebrated 25 years married. There were cards and gift deliveries. I made a poem-toast to her in front of all of our friends at our favorite wine bar. And yes, especially with family who didn’t love our relationship 25 years ago, there’s a smug satisfaction in showing off how wrong the world was, watching as the vague realization dawns on aunts, uncles, cousins, my parents, that they were not on-board with gay marriage 25 years ago, so they were not invited to the wedding. And now, friends, family, and acquaintances express to us that our marriage symbolizes their relationship goals. Community gathering validates us in a way I know previous generations of queer couples never got validated. After the party, Helen whisked me away on a luxurious and romantic weekend at Orr Hot Springs. A wine bar party and a good long soak—so us! So representative of ways we are so well suited to each other. And our relationship is deepening too. We grow. We make mistakes. We forgive. We learn. Each cycle draws us closer together. We've been married half my remembered life, longer than I belonged to my parents, longer than it takes to become an adult, to get an education. That’s what makes my heart pound about this milestone. Our marriage is significant like a childhood is significant, like an education is significant, a career, a home, an institution. Sustainable love in my life is truly a gift. Being married to Helen has made me who I am, made me fierce, brave, made me an artist, a writer, a playwright, a happy, productive, hopeful, inspired, grown woman. She is truly a marvel, admired and loved by all who know her, especially me.

My last two living Aunties died this year. It is a funny feeling to now be at the top of the family structure with no generation above me. I somehow feel privileged in this position that I can use it to push my weight around and be a bit brazen in getting what I want. I wonder how far I could go with that? Or should I have a posture of humility that God has allowed me this privilege when others have been denied it? I think so.

I turned 70. This has affected me more than I expected. I'm very aware that the 70's are our last opportunity to travel with no serious physical restrictions. D and I are thankfully in good health. Yet, with Trump in office, the idea of travel doesn't feel carefree. America has lost its place in the world, and going through the border seems somewhat fraught. I just realized, though, that this mindset is complying in advance. Freedom to travel is a basic right of a free society.

The change in living situation with my kiddos. My daughter moving to Oregon and my son staying with me full time. It has been nice having my son around and helping him learn skills he hadn't been previously taught, while watching him gain independence (taking Uber to school/work), getting his own debit card and flying to Oregon independently. I miss by daughter and am proud of both of us for growing and maintaining our relationship.

My eldest daughter became a mom! She never wanted kids but they got a surprise that they have no regrets with. It has changed my whole life. It has changed my daughters and mine relationship for the better. I have watched her enjoy being mom as much as I do. I thought being a mom was the greatest thing in the world. Being a grandmother is next level. Holding my daughters son is beyond words.

More the chosen family side but I've seen a lot more of my friends become mothers. It's really started to shift socialising a little bit in the Shnat group and really made me see how hard and complex motherhood is and what it can do to a marriage. One of my best friends had her second child and she's someone who "has it all together" but I've seen now that even she's been pushed close to the edge. My best friend also moved back to the UK after nearly 6 years living in New York and we've been able to have time together in the same country. I was so grateful for it, even it though it was short and sweet before I've come back to Tanzania. She's like a part of me.

My mom got her first walker, and with David moving out, she is able to have Tres and Tres' kids there in her home with her as needed, keeping her company, and giving her her meds morning and evening. I have been visiting my mom every 2-3 months for December 2024-July 2025. It has been a shift, and I missed my mom calling me at 4am on my birthday to wish me a happy birthday.... Mom has become more childlike. I am trying to remember to call her regularly.

Our first great-grandson Barry was born in June, our second great-grandson Dempsey was born July, our third great-grandson Milo was born Sept. So, we became first-time great grandparents thrice. This has created a sensation of joy overflowing. I’ve reached an age where virtually every week brings another serious illness or death of a family member or close friend, I am growing to cherish the cycle of life, celebrating new births. I’m going to the USA to visit all of them in Oct

When Yuri broke off our engagement, it changed the kids and my day-to-day in some pretty big ways. My stress level dropped significantly, and I no longer had to choose between him and the kids, or between him and myself. It's been very freeing.

My mother died on August 31st. I am sad, I am lonely, I am bereft, I am low in spirits. I fear that I will lose my connection with my brother.

Jonah and Miriam both spent the summer at sleep away camp. Jonah had a rough time in his bunk - a lot of personalities. A lot of preteen boy energy. I spent a lot of time working through that with Sam. It was a different experience considering she can be unkind to me and yet I showed up as her sister. And helped her navigate this dilemma with our mom. We also lost both Jazz and Tucker this year to old age and illness. Tuckers loss was devastating and also a relief. He was such a menace sometimes and kind of a flight risk and I was never sure my mom took it that seriously. Now we have Theo and he is the perfect second act for my parents. He is small and sweet and gentle. He gave them a renewed purpose, although my dad hates walking him so much and he keeps popping in the house. But he is the goodest boy and I’m glad we’re his family.

I guess I think of Grandma’s decline due to her dementia as a major milestone for the family - a turning point really. It has definitely affected me but not in the ways I thought. For me, it can be easy to feel detached in these relationships. I feel like I should feel differently - more sad, more love, more emotion. Sometimes I do. I am trying to call and visit more but it is difficult and expensive. She makes me feel bad when I don’t. It upsets her and I don’t want that. I know I’ll regret it if I don’t though. Maybe I’m trying to protect myself.

My daughter has been promoted to a rank of the Professor. She and her husband are also wonderful parents of now 27 month old lovely boy. He is a true delight to us all. I am very proud of all my daughter has accomplished and how she is maintaining great life / work balance.

Alex getting engaged was the biggest milestone which is awesome. We continue to have an awesome family.

My niece, who lives with me, got a job she loves. After being unemployed for nearly 20 years due to a severe car accident, she returned to school, graduated, passed the state exam, and was hired in a Pediatric office working with kids, which she loves! I am very proud of her and happy that I was able to support her in getting back on her feet after such a long absence from work.

I met biological family for the first time over the summer. It had been almost 33 years since they've seen me. It's all still weird and new but it's exciting that it has been sucessful.

The whole year has been a shit show, but the hospital visit drama really opened my eyes. I am so tired, so weary, so stressed, had been feeling guilt because I thought I wasn't doing enough/not honoring them enough. There comes a point when people won't accept the help you're able to provide, you just have to let it go and let them handle their own consequences., especially over a longer duration. I know I did my best, other forms of counsel have told me I've done my all, so it's well past time for me to accept that and move on.

Our dog Jack died a few days ago (about 12.20 on the 25th of September). I didn't know whether I'd cry when I heard. We all knew it was going to happen soon, so in a way I'd been processing it already. I was glad I discover I cried at the news, especially after (and during) talking to mum about it and hearing her describe what happened; he couldn't get up so they decided it was time and scheduled a visit from the vet for the next day. The morning before the vet came, he had a seizure. Mum did her best to comfort him while he was convulsing. Apparently she cried for hours after he passed. Writing this has made me tear up again. I'll miss him. Right now I'm in Melbourne, so I'm not sure how it will feel the next time I go to mum and dad's house and he's not there. RIP Jack

My daughter and son in-law finally had the wedding they had planned for 2020. I had a mixed experience: good and bad, happy and sad, comfort and discomfort. I guess this is pretty common for weddings.

We became parents. Our whole lives have been changed forever, and it is beautiful and challenging and exhausting and exhilarating.

Connecting with my partners family, taking initiative in relationship with my younger brother, adopting a dog. All experiences force me to disregard some comfortable and strict rules i've put on myself and my relationships. Its a challenge but hopefully it makes me grow.

Ohh boy. Well, it's a bit fresh and it still hurts, but my sister got pregnant and I found out from my uncle, not from her. This crushed me. It crushed me because it showed me how little we are in each other's lives. We were once so close. Dysfunctional, but close. For years I haven't known where she is, who she's with, how she's doing or what she does for a living. I've reached out with birthday and holiday greetings, condolences when I've seen a pet of hers died. She hasn't responded and this has hurt so badly. We have a long history of her being abandoning, belittling and sometimes cruel. But recently I was finally coming to terms with it. Right when I was getting used to the grief and considering myself an only child when people asked me if I had siblings, she wanted to get back in touch and reconnect. Normally I'd transform into a golden retriever. Anything for her to finally like me and want me. This time I went slowly. I believe that's far healthier. After years of ignoring my existence, many more years of putting me down or diminishing me, a lifetime of not really wanting to be my friend except entirely on her terms and when no one else was around, surely she couldn't expect me to come back eagerly and openly like I used to. To be fair, given all the above, I shouldn't expect myself to be among the first people she tells she's pregnant. But, considering she said she wanted to reconnect, I was left gutted that I found out from someone else. It wasn't really conducive to repair. I'm happy for her and want her to be happy and well. This milestone also made it painfully clear how much loss is between us.

I’ve had a couple of major milestones. My first milestone is my youngest has left home after graduating from high school. We miss her terribly and it makes me realize how quickly the time has gone by and I’m not as young as I used to be. Second major mile so does my 25th anniversary with my wife has been a wonderful journey. We have done so much together. We’ve accomplished amazing things over constant very difficult obstacles and I think had a very wonderful life together.

The most major milestone is my oldest grandson turning 15 and starting high school. I’m really having trouble reconciling his age, when it seems like just a few years ago he was born. I mean, high school means learning to drive and only four short years until he’s a contributing member of society. Yikes.

The major milestone this year is my 80th birthday. It seems crazy. How can I possibly be that old? I still want to do everything I can possibly do. But at the same time, I want to do those things in careful ways.

No real major milestone that I can think of.... they happened before 2025... 2025 seems calmer and more rounded... and more of a settling back into normality, or the normality and vibrancy of life that I want.

My husband realized he’s an alcoholic. It was scary and unexpected (although in retrospect so so so obvious). It was a confusing time but he pulled through and is now almost 8 months sober. It hasn’t been simple or easy and there have been lots of ups and downs, but I’m so proud of him.

Lenny “retired” due to illness. Everyone, dad sue Corah Lee Sutton’s friend, everyone contributed. It was beautiful

Mi mamá en el hospital con anemia. Transfusiones. Estudios que han puesto a la luz las partes de su cuerpo que se están descomponiendo por dentro. Mi mamá está siendo disminuida en su mente y su cuerpo. ¿Es envejecer descomponerse por dentro? ¿Es decadencia? Esto me hace pensar en el futuro que me espera. No tengo los recursos humanos y económicos con los que cuenta mi mamá. ¿Qué va a ser de mí? Y no es que quiera morir ya para evitar envejecer al punto de perderme. ¿Cuándo podremos decidir sobre nuestra muerte sin que se le llame a eso suicidio?

My parents got old this year. I know. My partner knows. My sibling hasn't been around enough to know. I am honestly losing my mind about this. How do I manage this alone? My partner said that they would break up with me if I moved to be by them (long history of me not wanting to live there, and them being mean about where I live). And they're talking about moving to by my sibling but that sibling doesn't like them and... I just feel like this is my problem to solve but maybe it isn't.

I sat my dad and step dad down and spoke to them both, separately, open and honestly about what is happening for me in my mind/life as a consequence of my childhood. I was clear, concise and honest about my hurt/sadness/longing/anger/place in this world as a sole entity who demands respect and love.

My Grandad passing away was the biggest. My sister has been going through the IVF process. My brother is in a settled relationship and might propose soon. My mum, her partner and I had a falling out over the division of my Grandad's estate, which has been truly devastating for me. Mum's illness makes it especially hard to communicate with her. It made me extremely stressed and sad when I was trying to sell Grandad's house in the midst of her + partner's accusations - and put me in to a spin of needless guilt. Now though, I have moved through it. I've learned to not rely on my family to be emotionally intelligent (with compassion for mum's illness, also).

Strangely, we're in a kind of holding pattern. Both of my siblings are divorced and haven't remarried. Our daughter has been dating for five years but isn't engaged. No big birthdays or anniversaries. And, thank goodness, no funerals in the immediate family.

Our boys are growing. I wanted more kids. But my husband does not. Sad. Did I mention Pilates! Finally found my place.

Nelson picked up a 90 day chip in Narcotics Anonymous. It makes me happy that someone else in the family is joining us on the broad highway.

I've visited with my half-brother and his wife a few times striving to learn more about my family. At first it wasn't terribly comfortable although they did their best to make me feel welcome. I really want to know more about my ancestors so that I can understand more about my Dad and why he lived as he did. That will help me to better see how my life was affected. Healing is what I'm looking for and that comes with knowledge.

Our family is getting older. We are 5 siblings 72 to 60 yrs in relatively good health.

After years of health scares, last years included, the unimaginably imaginable happened and Granny is gone. Just spoke at the stone-setting and frustrated by just quite how hard it is to squeeze a whole person into stupid words. G was a rock, everpresent, amazing, silly, sensible, lifegiving, frustrating, really quite shit at Scrabble, a carer, a caree. So much to me and to us all. I just hope I can live up to all she represents and keep these Lewis stories going as the generation dwindles

My cousin is a home owner and I’m so proud of her! Directly this has no impact on my life, but indirectly being at her housewarming made me grateful for my big family and their constant presence in each other’s lives.

Mike has been travelling to Melbourne for work, for two years now. A very different dynamic in the family, which we didn't anticipate. Arielle is well into puberty. Big emotions, big crying and release. She is maturing intellectually. Zeb received bullying behaviour twice. The first time he had it. The second time he spoke up immediately as he understood the benefits and support received by speaking out. I am transitioning hormonally. Am drawing on audio and literature to better understand. And to navigate with less resistance.

There were none that I can think of. The triplets turned 14. My mother turned 85. Nadja began medical school. I think Anissa and Hafiz are in the same middle school. Soraja is in her second year of medical school. Sam just began his second year of university. I won a second sabbatical. Nadja had a tough internship and when medical school began she already had to take a day off for illness. I worry about her. Her father seemed to push this idea of the two oldest being doctors. I wonder if that’s their hearts’ desire. The internship really affected Nadja’s moods and must have been tough for the rest of the family to deal with.

The divorce was the biggest milestone. I'm writing about that in other questions, too, because it was the defining feature of the last year. The overall effect is that I'm happier. I'm less anxious day to day. I still feel responsible for my son's emotions, and that still eats at me like a parasite, but I'm not responsible for my ex-husbands emotions anymore (not that I ever truly was, but I did take on that responsibility because I felt like I was supposed to). I used to feel guilty anytime I spent time on myself because shouldn't I have been working constantly and harder to be and do more for my boys? Now, I get to spend days on my own where I just focus on my own being and desires, and it is healing. Multiple people have told me that I look lighter or brighter, and I definitely feel that way. I'm not being dragged down by the weight of Chris, Chris's choices, the consequences of Chris's choices, and Chris's emotions anymore.

Morphing the ways and places we get together now that our oldest has a child and our youngest lives in another country.

miscarriage. both of them now. i feel very changed by them both in ways i can't articulate yet, especially as i'm in the midst of the second one.

It's difficult to think of a larger milestone than my dad's death. Other than that, however, I think another major milestone has been my husband's hand surgery and the threat of his 40+ year classical music career ending. Right now we don't know if it's officially over, but it's on hold and has been for the past six months. This has affected us as a household but also me personally, as I think about my own relationship to what I do and who I am, how I see that in him, how his (and my) creativity has defined each of us over our careers and how shocking it is to have an external event be the potential end. This has been a year of a lot of endings, and a lot of uncertainty. I feel left wondering, will he find his "tribe" in another way? What will he do to fulfill this incredibly important part of himself? How will this affect our relationship and how we interact socially?

There wasn't really a huge milestone this year, other than my fiancee's sister getting married. It was hard for us in the beginning because we had been engaged for longer and I was jealous and upset in the beginning because I felt like it was overshadowing us. But actually getting to the wedding day and seeing my fiancee be the amazing older sister she is, and putting aside her differences to love and cherish her sister made me realize how selfish I was being. We are all on our own journeys and I can't fault anyone for choosing their path.

acceptance with my parents--it means the world to me, truly.

I am happy to report that my hope from last year came to fruition and I became a mother!!! Our son was conceived through IUI on erev rosh hashana last year, and now he’s a beautiful 4 month old boy who smiles and laughs and coos and hugs and absolutely brightens the day of all who encounter him. I didn’t know my heart could expand this much, but the love I have for my son is beyond what words could describe.

My cousin gave birth, first of our generation to have a kid. Sometimes it makes me feel like I'm behind in life, mostly it made me feel happy for her and her husband. It helps to have an older sister who doesn't intend to get married to her boyfriend soon and an oldest brother who hasn't had a serious relationship yet and is upending his whole life because hes unhappy at the moment

My step-daughter gave birth to my granddaughter. This has been both amazing and terrifying. One of her brothers - my grandson - died when he was just a baby. He was only 12 days old. When my granddaughter was 11 days old I spent the whole day terrified. I love my granddaughter. I look forward to seeing her grown up. I’m also grappling with the fear that she’ll die too, and this fear may be permanent.

It's strange to think of, but the milestone is my divorce. I had planned for our ten year anniversary. I was truly grateful for all the things I was getting from our family. Instead, I'm moving out and recognizing all that I've given up for him and the ways I've quited myself. I'm getting louder again.

My younger grandson spent a month as an exchange student in Madrid, and then did a five week archaeological internship at the Kotel. My older grandson turned 18. Whilst on one hand I hate the idea that I have such mature grandchildren, on the other, more important hand I could not be prouder of the responsible, intelligent caring, and empathetic young human beings that they are.

Nathan started to seriously work towards becoming (more) sober. He took 2 weeks off from drinking in May, and has been much more moderate ever since. He's in IOP now. I feel relieved, encouraged, and very proud of him. I have more hope for his/our ongoing/future happiness than I have in awhile.

I have made it a point in the last few years to spend more time with my family. I never get quality time with my sisters and this summer I got to spend a weekend hanging out with my older sister. I miss that time with my oldest friend.

My husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary, which feels like a significant milestone. It was a little bittersweet to celebrate and hold the grief of not being pregnant yet, but I did get to wear my pretty wedding dress one more time. My mother also officially retired on July 1st of this year, which is actually huge. That woman has been working since she was in her teens, and now she is just... not. She is adjusting, day by day. Today she told me that she is part of a birding club and she goes birdwatching two to three times a week. Adorable.

Lo que me afecta no es el milestone sino la falta de este... todo sigue igual con la familia, solo que mis padres y yo nos estámos haciendo más viejos. Siento que el tren para los milestones quiza ya se me fue (matrimonio, hijos y la relacion meaningful de estos con mis padres). Se siente hasta antinatural la falta de renovación en las relaciones, que con certeza trae una nueva generación.

Over the past year I started talking to my dad more often. It's been a long time since he and I have been in touch consistently, and looking back I realize now we were never really close. I'm glad we are talking now, and I like the time we spend together. It makes me feel connected to something bigger than just myself. He has lived in his retirement community for three years now, and he is 82. He has Parkinson's Disease and a pacemaker, and I know he won't live forever. I wonder if he will be written in the Book of Life this year, and either way --if he is or isn't--I wonder what it will be like to read my answer to this question when I get it back next year.

My daughter starting middle school. She is so right in between, so beautiful, so brave, so talented. I love her so much.

Both of our boys are on their own, and becoming quite happy and successful. It is strange not feeling obligated or pressured to worry about them, but it also gives me solace that my wife and I dis something right in raising them.

Excited to see daughters family moving closer. This has me wanting to invest more in family and not in the day to day of horrible people. I will be caring more about the things I can change in my life and my families lives. The world will not change until people turn back to God.

Separating from my husband of 34 years has to be the family event that has most affected me. After living with emotional abuse for so many years, I finally started to figure out what kind of mental illness plagues him. As I did that, I experienced it getting decidedly worse. While I understand that leaving is always a choice, mine was being staying or staying alive, as the stress had a profound impact on not only my mental health, but my physical health, as well. I am healing, slowly.

M turning two year old was probably the biggest milestone! It got me to reflect on how much continued growth I have done as a parent in his second year of life. I also have reflected on how, if I am being honest, in a lot of ways I better enjoy this stage of parenting now that M is more interactive and starting to talk and communicate more. In some ways it's more challenging, but I'm finding it more rewarding for me than those uncertain days of infancy.

The biggest milestone for our family this year was welcoming Madison Grace into the world. Becoming a dad has changed me in ways I couldn’t have fully understood before. Suddenly, the little things I used to stress about feel smaller, and the things that matter most — time together, being present, building a strong foundation — feel much bigger. It’s given me a deeper sense of purpose. Every decision I make now feels tied to her future, not just my own. It’s also brought Micah and me even closer, because we’re learning and growing together in this new role as parents. It hasn’t been easy — the sleepless nights, the constant adjustments — but it’s been worth every bit. I feel both humbled and inspired by the responsibility and the joy she brings into our lives.

My brother was sick, spent seven weeks in the hospital. He's 11 years older, and has a number of things wrong, but what nearly did him in was pneumonia, complicated by years of smoking and COPD. We're very close, and life without my big brother was terrifying. At the same time, my sister's husband (18 years older than I am) became very ill, and my sister started reaching out to me much more; we're not particularly close. The short answer is that I'm much more involved with my family than I had been.

The biggest change this year has been my changing jobs to work from home. It has affected everyone, mostly in a positive way. I'm around the dogs all day. I am here if Charlotte needs anything as her health slowly declines. It has created some FOMO in my wife, who plans to retire in December although it is looking like she may continue to work for a while due to my medical bills and our uncertain home insurance situation.

My niece completed 1 year alcohol-free. So proud of her.

The house move is easily the biggest highlight of our year. The space, the location, the pace of life, the community - all have succeeded in lifting all our spirits and it has been transformational.

Celebrating my mom's 60th birthday in San Diego as a whole family. Definitely learned a lot about who we are as adults/older children and how we relate to each other! The trip was full of the same old tropes and issues we've always had as a family, but now with more people in the mix to help defuse the energy and more personalities to change up the group dynamics. It was also a chance to reconnect with San Diego cousins and see how far they've grown (Cassidy) or regressed (Felicia).

The family milestone that happened was just this month and it's still going on. We had to move my mom from assisted living into memory care. She went into the hospital, and when she got back to her assisted living place, they told us we needed to move her. She has been declining pretty rapidly the past few months, and has been having a really hard time recently. I'm the person who is kind of in charge of her care even though I don't do the day-to-day heavy lifting, and I can see that the end is starting to get nearer. It's a lot of stress, but I'm blessed to have a good support system and the resources so I can focus on her. Still, it's intense and incredibly emotional. I don't think she'll be around in a year, but I don't know that for sure. I've already lost her for the most part, and I don't want her to suffer, but it's still super fucking sad, because I love her so much.

As I'm not that close to my family I struggle with this question every year. Last year it was my younger sisters wedding, so had something to write, but none of those answers got saved for some reason. I remember feeling sad that I don't have that kind of relationship with them. This is my doing, as they're not the sort of people I would choose to associate myself with, and I cannot be around them for long periods of time. It's not them I miss, it's the idea of them. I don't miss *my* mum, I miss having a mum. They will never be what I need so I have learned to make my peace with that. I also lamented the fact that I have never been in a serious relationship. My longest one to date was two years with soneone who spent a lot of time trying to leave me. I have never lived with someone. I have never been engaged, much less gotten married. I've never had anyone that I can say is 'mine'. I don't want kids, but my god I yearn for love. I want to meet my person. I want to be someones number one for once. I don't think I ever have been in my entire conscious life. I want to get married. I want someone to look at me and say "I pick this one". I want to belong to someone and have someone belong to me. I want to cuddle and kiss and hold hands and have sex and cook and go shopping and fight over TV shows with someone. I want it so much and I don't think it will ever happen for me. I am trying to come to terms with that, but it's so so hard.

The best weekend ever with my family was very healing. It was joyful and loving with all of us. My relatiobships with my nephew and his oldest boy was magical, eady, full of joy and laughter. I feel more whole, less broken and broken hearted.

I'm a first time Nana, and am tickled to love on the little tinok, until he is an old man. Named after my father, I'm hoping he is taught to enjoy the thrill of success and pushing past difficulties. and a good storyteller filled with compassion, joy, love, and laughter. While I sometimes feel like I'm watching my family grow and learn to be better, I know I am too. We have toys and good books. have joined PJ Library for grandparents, and we are beyond thrilled to have retired to the city my daughter and her family live. Gd-willing they'll be here for the long haul and we're only 15 minutes away. Friday night dinners are divine and we're starting a once a month minhag of the Erev Shabbat children's service at synagogue. In time, we need to pay for Jewish preschool and I need to a little retirement job to do this!

My sister is preparing to become a grandmother. I am very happy and hopeful for my nephew and the whole family but it reveals the stark reality that I don’t have children of my own. I know I will make the best of life and be happy as I always have but it feels a little bit saddening for me.

I don’t know if we have had a major milestone, but I can think of some significant things that have impact at us. We have had health scares with my parents and thankfully, they seem to have stabilized for the moment and I am incredibly grateful. Through these experiences, we have just become closer and closer and more expressive of how much we love each other my parents have always and continue to be an incredible support for me and my children and my sister and her family. What a blessing that they can feel valuable because they are at 86 years old.

The milestone that happened with my family this year is that I took distance from my dad, who is the last member of my family I was having contact with. All the members of my immediate family are toxic for me. Going no contact makes me feel so much better about myself. But it was scary. I realize I had to be ready to cut this final tie. I had to have support in the rest of my life with friends and professionals. I can see that I would have psychologically fragmented had I done this before now. It is HARD not having the comfort and familiarity of family. And it is hard having them in my life. I am finally ready to do what is supportive and kind TO ME.

This goes back to how I was closing out my response to the previous question. I have a great family, grateful that everyone is healthy and doing well, it’s not a given (or in Hebrew - זה לא מובן מאליו). To be transparent, my relationship with my siblings has been a source of challenge and difficult for me navigate. Respectively, there is a 7 year difference between my older sister and 4 years with my older brother, with me being the youngest. My sister has transformed in a person I don’t recognize than the sister that I grew up with. Ever since she moved out to Newport Beach (Orange County) 10 years ago in December 2015, she has picked up behavior and characteristic of the peers she is surrounded by, that are not originally from that area. These characteristics are shallow, toxic, ignorant and frankly dumb. The women that she is surrounded by aren’t Jewish and my sister has a tendency to be a people pleaser. She was working for a manipulative woman who owns a boujie salon and she was working for her as a nanny and then worked in the Salon. She believed this woman that was using her and putting her down, although my sister had the ambitions of running the salon. She has ambitions, but she lacks drive at times and for the past +4 years she has not been working and she is spending her time working on art projects for this loony artist that is filling her head with conspiracy theories, it’s fucking insanity and it’s hard speaking to her because all she talks about it politics. It’s sad, she is extremely talented as an artist and business-wise, but her self-confidence is low and she doesn’t know how to pull herself up. In addition, her husband that doesn’t have a stomach is an alcoholic, he drinks like a fish every night and it’s not pleasant to be around them when they fight - it feels like the couple in ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf?’(he had it removed in 2020 because he has a gene that could have developed into stomach cancer). I love her, but it’s upsetting to hear her so upset and nothing to do for herself. I’m not sure how she spends her days, but it upsets me that it probably upsets my parents. They won’t have kids, which I’m sad that I won’t be an uncle. As for my brother, he also is aimless. Despite having a profession as a Pharmacist, he is unlucky in relationships. He’s been divorced twice now (separated officially in May 2025 from the girl that didn’t speak English). Again, he’s searching for something that most likely does not exist and it is what sets him up for failure. While my sister claims to be going to therapy and talks about it over abduntly, my brother lacks the self-awareness to understand that he has no clue how to navigate a healthy relationship. I don’t know where he gets his expectations of dating from, but it feels misognystic as he expects his wife to be handling the house chores and basically wiping his ass. And the way he goes about dating, it’s so sneaky. I really don’t know who he is, much like most of my family doesn’t know who he is. He does not share anything, does not converse or share what’s on his mind. It’s sad, to be blood related to someone and have no idea who that person is. Despite my grievances, I am optimistic that my relationship with my siblings can change for the better. I’m even certain of it. When we were in Hawaii at the end of December 2024, that trip was not a vacation, it was an intervention of the build of tension my sister had towards my brother for the way he went around meeting this girl after his first divorce, going to Mexico during the pandemic and completely disregarding our family in his life. B’tzedek, I was pissed when I saw this wedding album he had of this girl that he doesn’t know. How the fuck can he and her have any similarities based on their upbringing background, not to mention their geographical upbringing. And my brother that was closing himself off the more you tried to pry him open. He is an adult, but his brain is one a child that the universe revolves around him, and our parents avoiding trigger points that would distant him from us even further. We were sitting at dinner on the last night at home, I believe we cooked and had leftovers and at some point of the meal my sister started prying, my brother replying and in a flash of a moment I felt like I was 8 years old, my brother 12 years old and my sister being 15 years old while our dad was facilitating this conversation between us. Our mother fuming was pissed and got up from the table. I get it, she didn’t grow up with siblings and can’t relate or understand how could be all be at each others throats when we’re family. Especially seeing the relationship between my aunts on my father’s side how they were to one another. But that night ended on a great note, we were able to have a dialogue, I bridged a gap between my siblings, having my sister being less on the offense and my brother to open up and share what’s going on in his mind. It was beautiful, my brother cried, my sister cried and my dad looked at us coming together with tears of joy and relief in his eyes. Family is not easy, but we owe it to one another to be there for another and to make the effort to see each other more than once every 6 years.

There’s a big milestone! I am talking to my mother I want to Colombia and it is my ex. We were going to get married in and throw her to my family and she didn’t get to meet my mother before she got to meet everyone else and then I got to see my mother and we start talking and then we’re getting along really well since then and I’m really happy for that. It brings me a lot of peace. It brings her a lot of peace too, which is good.

I have a relationship with my sisters again! When I first started doing 10Q, my sisters had decided to block me on social media and give me no method of contacting them. They were mad at me for something I said to my parents, so I was not sure how or what to apologize to them for. After these past few years, they seem to have realized that I am not as awful as they thought I was, and I have realized better how to engage with my parents in a way that doesn't result in major fights. My sisters also see some of the critiques that I have of our parents now, which is comforting because I feel less alone. I'm overall happy that I can talk to them and I feel comfortable visiting them in the NYC area.

This past year, Kieran was hospitalized at Sick Kids around this time of year. It was REALLY scary and we each took turns staying with him, taking notes, and keeping one another updated on his condition. It reminded me that nothing is as important as my loved ones and the things I generally get stressed over are not worth that kind of anguish or mental energy in the grand scheme of things. It was a frightening reminder of what my priorities are and should be.

My sister died, she picked a good time. It was not an ideal time to be disabled in the US. I can’t think of anything more significant than that

We have moved out of the city and into a bucolic suburb 45 minutes from the city. I feel calmer and more at peace.

We haven't had a major milestone this year, because we're all just trying to live through this frightening period of history.

A major milestone for our family this past year has been preparing to welcome our new puppy! It feels like such a small thing on the surface, but for us, it’s been huge. The girls have been dreaming about this for years, and now that it’s finally happening, I can see how much it means to all of us. For me, it’s been both exciting and grounding. There’s joy in the anticipation, in imagining what life with the puppy will be like. And there’s also something steadying about it: a reminder of home, of routines, of the small daily acts of care that connect us as a family. I can't wait to meet her!

This year, my sister turned fifty, and my mother will be eighty in December. While these milestones belong to them individually, my elder sister was fifty years of age when she passed. That made this milestone for Wanda more personally significant. As Momma nears her eightieth birthday, I celebrate her vibrant health, knowing I won't always have her here on the planet with me - and all the more grateful I will have her in Heaven with me forever.

A milestone that I celebrated with my family is my cousin's engagement party. Almost a year after he proposed, the party was held and everyone had an opportunity to be together, which I enjoyed. However, we did not get to plan a weekend where all of us can hang out and make new memories. This is something I would like to do within the next year.

The only major milestone I can think of is our first international trip with my son (well, that he's old enough to remember). It was great and it felt liberating. Even with the problems that came up, it went well and I'm really happy that we have so many more options available to us now that he's mature enough to actually travel.

Prompted by the afore-mentioned diagnosis of terminal cancer, my parents have made the decision to sell the house in Wales. They hardly go now, and although it used to be very popular among friends and family for holidays, interest has dried up quite a bit over the last few years. But the main reason they're selling it is the cost - they have to pay additional council tax and the bills are higher than you'd expect for a house that is empty more often than not. One of the things I wrote about last year was the possibility of me taking the property on but that doesn't seem to be an option any more - I don't know if that was just wishful thinking on my part or if I read too much into an offhand comment, but during all the discussions about selling it never really came up as a viable option. That's probably for the best - it feels like it would have been a lot of work and probably incredibly stressful, so I guess I've had a lucky escape (can you call it an escape when it probably wasn't really going to happen in the first place?). Anyway: Chris and I went in Wales for his traditional birthday week. We did all our favourite things and had a really lovely time, although I got myself a bit anxious and depressed about the drought which was probably transference and a way to process my feelings about saying goodbye to the place. I felt a bit weepy as we drove away but I made my peace with it and the house went on the market and - nothing. A few things have made it difficult to sell: it's a prefab home which makes it more challenging to get a mortgage, and the heating system means that it has a very low energy rating. The latter means that they can't even rent it out. I actually feel sick every time I think about this situation. It feels so unfair that they're having to pay additional council tax and high bills for a house they're trying to sell, and I feel so powerless to help them. I hate that this must be causing them additional stress when there's so much else going on. It's also made me just not want to go any more. We would traditionally go just before Christmas to put the house to bed for the winter, but I am dreading the point at which either mum and dad ask for our dates or Chris asks if we're going because I feel like I've said my goodbyes and part of me just can't bear the thought of going back there. I want to be able to remember it as it was and all the happy times I spent there, either with my parents and my sister or with Chris, but now it's become such a source of sadness for me.

My partner of 25 years moved out in June and took a new job in Denver in August. It has been very freeing and opening, not in a gleeful way, but in a deeply exploratory “I wonder what is next” kind of way. I am settling into the feeling of not being settled and it has been a nice embrace of the unknown.

I took part in welcoming a Czech Torah scroll in my partner's community. Sharing that journey and standing together made me realize how united we are. Together, we are a family and we have so much to give to our friends and the Jewish world.

This past year, we've seen Nana's health decline pretty rapidly. She's much more forgetful, irritable, and clumsy. It's been really hard watching Mom step up to take care of her and constantly feel concerned about her health. I just pray that Nana stays strong, healthy, and coherent for as long as possible.

My grandmother moving to be with my parents after my grandfather died. My cousin and I were discussing this last night. Visiting them was ridiculously expensive, and it trapped us on Long Island with them instead of seeing other cousins/going to the city/enjoying NY. They did not like us leaving their house, and honestly got twitchy about excursions to even see other family members. It was entirely from a place of anxiety, because they were too nervous to travel themselves anymore and assumed it was the same for us, so we put up with it. I am trying to show grace with my grandmother, as she hasn't been adjusting well and she's very upset (it's a lot of move at her age), but the reality is it meant freedom for the rest of the family. My parents can finally take vacations to places other than their house. I am not shelling out thousands every year to make my pilgrimage to the grandparents. It's conflicting. It's sad to not be associated with the one consistent home we've all known. It's hard seeing the effect this has had on my grandma. But, the world it's additionally opened for myself, my parents, and my siblings is immense.

One milestone stands out--my (rather than Yohannes') moving out of our condo. I like to say that rather than Yohannes' leaving for college, I did. I've alluded in previous answers to the impact on me: Being in a new job has allowed me to continue the healing journey that I began during my period of unemployment. I've also experienced in fleeting moments the full circle of my returning to the place of my birth. I am hopeful that I will be able to write more about that next year because I will have been more purposeful in walking that circle and drawing conclusions from it. My breaking my toe in February stymied the urge to do that, then my stalling on my healing journey in June contributed to that, then my sexual reawakening...you get the picture. My response to Q1 also answers this question: moving out of the house and being less present as a mother opened up the space for me to respond to the sexual advances of DA and to give myself over to them and to my sexual (re)awakening. I think there's not just a little but a lot more growth coming my way. I want to prepare myself spiritually and psychologically for this growth, which is a gift that I do not take for granted.

Eldest of to college. Proud and sad. Need to fill my life and soul.

My wife had to move into assisted living. For the first time in 31 years we are living apart. I moved from our two bedroom apartment to a one bedroom apartment. I am grateful that we had moved to this Independent Retirement Community 5 1/2 years ago which has an assisted living facility on the campus. I am grateful we both have long term care insurance. I grieve that our lives have changed in so many ways. However we still have each other and do many things together.

I think the biggest milestone is me leaving home, the last child to leave the house, it's crazy I've now been away from home for over 3 months, that's the longest ever, and it's kinda been really great for my relationship with my parents. I've never felt closer to them than I am now, there is absolutely no secrets, I even told them about the tattoo which I didn't think I would do. They are the only people really that I've kept a really strong connection and communication with since I left home, I don't even call my friends this much. But it's really nice, I love being able to talk to them so freely and be so myself and have my parents really know who I am and what I love to do. My relationship with my siblings is pretty much the same, I wish we would call more but also I don't really call anyone other than my parents, we make such an effort on each side to stay connected and it's very beautiful. I love them so much.

I turned 60! I took my best friend from High School and my two best friends from college to Grand Lake, my favorite mountain town. It reminded me that I can be happy when I do what I want with people I like who care about me.

Spending more time in Chicago with my grandchildren has been a major milestone and has had an extremely positive effect on me. I hope we are able to stay here in the long-term, but we may need to move back to Europe because of political circumstances. I am trying to let the joy outweigh the sadness and worry.

My wife’s health took a sharp downturn. It has made my life extremely challenging. I try to spend time with friends to buoy my spirits.

Death of one of my younger siblings. Made me think more expansively about how family members will have to handle my death. Passwords? Recurrent Payments? Closing social media accounts? Notifying relatives and friends?

The birth of Owen Caress Brown brings our grandboy total to THREE! He is a delight to his brothers, parents and grandparents! The elder grandboys elected to go to camp again this Summer, and Owen was a good traveler over long flights, and was great to have around in Maui! I feel even more joy and gratitude for my life and family all for seeing some of it through the eyes of a baby!

Jim's death, Brad's death, Mark's death

Too many Brads health. Who am I without him? Who are my people in bad times? I think, actually, the impact had been positive. We are making better choices

We celebrated my husband's 80th birthday and held a large-ish family party for him. It was great to see him enjoy the festivities, but it made me super conscious that the years are flying by. Who knows if we'll be here to celebrate the 81st. Or, in that same vein, my 79th.

Evan’s grandmother dying last October was significant. She was 96 years old and had not been well for several years. Her death was sad but also a reminder of a life well-lived and of the many hardships she endured and overcame. She was a brave woman who loved her family.

On eof my dogs died in April. She saw me through a lot of emotional pain after my husband died. My other dog and I miss her terribly. May Belle's (and Abbie's - who I lost the year before) name be for a blessing.

None that I can think of. Not everyone has a family (kids, living relatives, etc.) you know? This is a status quo question. It doesn't fit my situation at all. I wish there were things I could feel excited about. I don't know if I've had any major milestones, except that I felt brave enough to start dating someone. Probably shouldn't have. :/

Baby girl got ear tubes at 6 months old. I know it's a minor surgery, and the most common one done in peds, but I was still so nervous beforehand because she was so tiny. I have had kids who have had surgery before, but never that young. The road to get tubes was very long, exhausting, expensive, painful, and frustrating. I am so glad we did it though; it night and day changed her life.

George turned 80. our daughter Liba turned 50...I am more aware that I am old and though I remain energetic- time is precious

My toddler started at daycare after staying at home since birth. My toddler is getting to know the neighborhood kids and I'm getting to know the other mothers in the neighborhood. We see kids from her class at the neighborhood playground. I even went to a monthly meeting for women in the neighborhood. If I had to sum up this milestone in one work it would be "community."

My sister had her second child, and it has really made me reflect on the fact that I am, I think, considered rather adjunct to that side of the family - included on birthdays for the kids, but never other family gatherings, holidays, etc. It's sad but I don't know what to do about it.

My step-daughter has reconciled with us, her father and me. This after four years of ostracizing us from her life and for reasons that continue to be entirely unclear. She called her dad and wondered if we would come to Christmas dinner with them in China Town. On her birthday she allowed us to help her with her garden at the home she had just purchased with her husband. She said yes to having brunch together. We do not talk about how she decided to allow us back into her life, or why she excluded us so hurtfully in the first place. That would not be helpful, despite the depth of our desire to understand what happened and why and or how we could have done something differently to have avoided the separation in the first place.

Retirement, of course. It changes everything, both day-to-day and the future. Life is different and it impacts the physical and the mental. People would ask me, "What do I want to do when I retire?" My first answer was always - "Sleep!" And yes, I am sleeping more, but somehow still getting up at 6 a.m. Mentally, as I track finances, it is weird to look ahead and wonder, "where will I get the money to pay these bills?" I have retirement, and I am secure - it is just the first time I see this and the uncertainty creeps in. It is also impacting my relationship. Roles change - the tacit agreement that he makes lunch and dinner is torn up and the new agreement is still in negotiations. For him, the new world order is unclear - same for me. It is a process, I get it, but for me, someone who took chaos and found order, it is unsettling. I have to trust that things will become clearer as the days and weeks go by, and it is important to BREATHE.

Bubbe got dementia and we've seen it progressively get worse. I don't know how it's affected me, it makes me sad sometimes, it makes me sadder when it makes mama sad though.

I spent most of my life living in single family residence. Now I'm living in a co-op with a huge family of friends. It was one of the best choices I have made.

We lost one of our best friends and mentors, Sue. It has been extremely challenging. The loss has been tremendous and it has heightened my feelings around the fragility and impermanence of life and desire to ensure I am not wasting a moment of my time here.

This year has felt like a limbo of sorts. Nothing to major has transpired. Lots of waiting for C-pup to die (and then he rebounded), some concern that my mom was dying, but she also has had a rebound/a positive upshift. There was A's graduation in Montana - we 3 traveled to it. Mom said that's her last trip, no more airplanes. At some point, I shifted out of chronic worrying. My beloveds will die. I will die. But I can't postpone the life I am given to live. I am moving forward with things I want to do.

My husband had stroke. It has been stressful and put a greater burden on me. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, but mostly grateful that he is still alive and is improving.

My mother's diagnosis of dementia has made me realize I need to work on staying fit, healthy, and independent. I am also grateful that Mom has a support network.

We are about to finalize the transactions that change our rental of our home to a purchase Finally, which means we will own it. We are ecstatic about it.

Things are pretty status quo with my family. My nephew did start high school, and he's so freaking smart and doing awesome projects that he doesn't give himself enough credit for. My twin sister is moving into another house with her boyfriend, and they're doing very well. Her boyfriend has been having unfortunate experiences with work, but they support eachother and I think they gave grown closer through these challenges. Overall, I haven't felt affected by my family's milestones this year. I do feel her boyfriend and I's friendship has strengthened and I feel like I have a brother that I've never grown up having.

2. first celebrating my partners 70th then my daughters 50th. Both great family occasions that reinforced our connections and our love.

Audrey got her driver's license and sammy got her permit. This has freed up a lot of my time driving them around. Audrey also got her first job. It is exciting to watch them grow into independent people.

A year of much conflict with mom + dad – surfacing long-simmering miscommunication and disconnect, and confronting their defensiveness at being asked to connect differently or face their ways they'd disappointed me. So much of family time (graduations, time in DC) felt stressful and like I wasn't being tended to/asked about myself – I still don't feel like we've totally found the path toward connection that feels manageable and authentic to all of us. I feel like I worked hard to readjust my expectations of what family time gives me, and sat with my grief at the lowered expectations themselves, even as I'm already noticing how it's lightened me for my time at home. Match day navigating disappointment/new phase of AS' life was a huge shift too – brutal residency schedule and dealing with the endless Jewish "doctor in the family!" comments and feeling more grown up between the three sisters.

There wasn’t a major milestone in my family this past year. In many ways, that in itself feels meaningful—it means we were living life as it came, sharing many good moments together while navigating the occasional challenges. I’ve come to appreciate that not every year has to be defined by big events; sometimes it’s the steady rhythm of everyday life that matters most.

Not a very positive or traditional milestone, but my grandmother has started to get some dementia or Alzheimer's (we're not really sure), and it was more visible this past year than it had been previously. Watching my mother try to help her mother get a diagnosis and possible treatment has been challenging but interesting, and it's spurred some conversations and thoughts about how to care for aging parents. Additionally, a great-uncle of mine died this past summer. While he was estranged and I wasn't very close with him, it was still somewhat of a shock to know that someone I'd known in my grandparent's generation had passed. All said, these events have made me think more about how old my grandparents are and how to best interact with them as they age (and how to potentially care for my own parents as they age). These events have also made me realize how precious time with my grandparents is becoming and made me value that time more.

In January of this year, actually December 31 or 30 Kislev 5785, an acquaintance began a journey with me into becoming something so much more. Individually, we have each known great pain and loneliness, grief, superior joy, many moments of happiness, and ecstasy in our lives. I have been whole in and of myself, as have they. I have cared for many with little to nothing given in return - something they, too, have experienced. We had accepted that that was the best it could be - it's what we each had come to understand. Then Jason, this acquaintance whom I knew little of but who intrigued me nonetheless, entered my life, and I entered his in a whirlwind of desire that has since developed into finding ourselves truly whole for the first time. The reflection of this in his life - the dual acknowledgement and reciprocal joy between us has led us both to a place neither of us thought we would ever go to. Though we both have lives that are touched with much sorrow, family members and friends now speak of the joy they see flowing from both of us, and it speaks to this life-changing experience of such a person being here. This is the best I can do to describe it, and it isn't enough, but love lives here, and for my part, I can say that my soul has been ameliorated in such a way that I am forever changed.

I left Ezra and Brett entirely. I have become deeply invested in my work families, and in general the families of people who have children over people who do not. I felt so much grief at how they let me down, and realizing how much I had given up to justify the huge different in how these different people treated me. My standards are higher now. Dad turns 70 this year and I have been asked to coordinate it.

Sydney started college. Arden is a senior. Dylan and Brooklin got engaged. Shortcake crossed the rainbow bridge. Dave was finally sentenced to prison. It’s hard to think of milestones when our family fell apart. That’s been my only focus. Shortcake is gone. The kids are gone. Life goes on.

All of my children seem to be growing more successful financially and personally. Lyla getting her mega mfa with her residual income from her gallery. Z changing his name and shifting his circus academy into the black. Jared gaining a salaried position and moving into a place with studio space for himself. The naches improves my posture and promotes my own feeling of independence.

I have seen many members of my extended family have a Bat Mitzvah, and this has inspired me to have one.

Losing Zazu feels like the end of a chapter for our family. We got almost 14 years with him, and everyone was better for it. The house feels a little emptier without him, and my bed also feels emptier, I still sleep on one side of the bed, expecting him to take up the rest of it from his favorite spot right in the middle. I miss him every day. He was just a baby, even when he was an old pup.

Molly died. It has been a huge change in the micro environment of our home-the loss of so much love, attention and goodwill is sad. I am hoping we find another dog soon.

No major milestones yet, but soon. Our last child graduates this year and she is thinking of summer travel and university next year. My heart already aches. I’m not sure I’m ready to be an empty nester.

My Dad has had a litany of health issues that I think are the beginning of his death spiral. My Mom has taken over the finances, I believe because his partial loss of eyesight has caused his mind to start deteriorating. This year I have really been in crisis trying to find a job so I can leave my marriage and my parents have basically said "that's too bad but we don't care" so while I am apprehensive of my Dad's imminent death, I have really spent the year distancing myself emotionally from people who are not interested in having my back.

One of my sisters got married, and another one of my sisters got pregnant. Their lives are moving forward very nicely, and I can see the joy that brings to our family. I do worry that I will end up being marginalized within my own extended family; I do not feel as though I am seen, understood, or valued by them. We spent time together, but I have a hard time feeling connected. It causes me a small amount of despair.

My family was all together this year for my aunt's wedding reception. Having my dad travel out of state to attend was a big deal. Our family also went "camping" and we rented a hut for 2 nights which was a new and fun experience for my sister and parents. My mom summited a 14,000 foot mountain, and I was beyond proud of her for that. I still am. Earlier in July, the rest of my extended family got to meet my partner, so having "the one" finally get to meet my crew was very special to me.

My dad died. He was in great health until just a few months before he died, and while his death was unexpected, there was time to prepare, time to be together, and time to say goodbye. It was the exact opposite of my mother's death from covid three years ago. In a way, the process of my dad's illness allowed me to heal from the trauma of my mom's death.

My son moved out of a cohabitation situation with an unhealthy (for him) girlfriend, got a flat on his own, and met a bright, lovely GF. Happy for him, hoping for the best.

Again, getting this divorce moving and securing equal parenting rights for Dan has been an enormous relief.

I wonder what exactly counts as a milestone. I’ve started a book and the poetry of the word milestone makes me think about the Karen the simple stock of stones laying at the side of trails. Is this a mile marker like from this point we know where we are? If that’s the case, I don’t know where I am.. That’s why I think death can never be a milestone and in my case it is a death that comes up when this question is asked. My beloved PJ she closed so many circles for me in my life. She held the idea of daughter and miscarriage and grandmother and spirit guide all in one. I know it seems Silly to love a dog so much, but I got her to prove to myself that I could care for another being in a way that was substantial and mattered. And in the end she died. I can’t help but feel like I failed her or like she failed me And yet I guess as I look at the milestone, I also understand how much she revealed how clear her life and death made it that I am who I am, but I can’t save anyone and that all I can do is love to the best of my ability and then let things go when it’s time to let them go. I miss her and everything she represented. I hope that by the time I’m at the next milestone, her memory can be a joy to me.

My young brother passed away from brain cancer. I sat with his body, still beautiful, a faint smile on his face. The loss hangs around, but he left a good legacy of music for his family and friends to cherish. My mother turned 80, and with it comes the small deteriorations, and greater need for care. I make to visit her once a week for coffee and a chat.

This past year, Dylan went off to college and it was just Tessa and I at home together for most of the year. I miss her terribly but I'm also really enjoying seeing her blossom while spending more 1:1 time with her sister.

Our oldest was diagnosed with ASD this past year. It's been a relief to know that there is an explanation for the behaviors and challenges. The Trump regime's push, though, is very concerning. I don't want the government deciding what I can do about my child's health.

Renee and I celebrated nine years of marriage, Kyle's been dead nine years, and I turned 59 --so all the major milestones (the 10-year marks and me turning 60) are going to happen next year. I guess the major milestone is that my mother moved into assisted living and Renee's mother died after a decade in a local nursing home. My mother's move, after first being very stressful as they sought to evict her almost as soon as she got in, is now a great relief. Mary's death is also somewhat of a relief as she was not enjoying life, though of course I was sad for Renee to lose her mother.

My wife left a job she use to love, and is now currently not working. It has presented challenges financially, but it is overall a very good thing.

Watching my daughter graduate and start high school has been huge. I've been thinking a lot about how fast this year will go. Watching her navigate high school and city busses and new schedules and friends....it makes me feel happy for her and nostalgic all at once.

My father died and it had an unanticipated effect on how my siblings worked together as a group. I had imagined we would pull together but we didn't. I was annoyed that my one sister didn't step up. I fell out with my other sister's husband at the Shiva. I caused my sister stress because she had to then tend to her husband's sensitivites. The chasm between me and my brother became very clear. It has all moved on a little, but still it won't go back to what it was. We all know a little more about our real relationships now.

Princessa graduated University .... No more FAFSA forms, no more "signed Epstein's mother" letters, and no more reminders to check the app .... Wonderful milestone moment, but also makes me realize how much the 27 years has impacted my every being 😮

I almost forgot but I came out to my parents and grandmother (!!!!!) this year!!!!! Coming out to my parents has affected me less than expected, though my dad asks about my relationship now in ways that he didn't used to. I think he's overcompensating for how harsh he thinks the world is but it's sweet and I really appreciate it. Coming out to my grandmother was just a month ago and really scary; I'm scared of our relationship changing in tiny intangible but still palpable ways. I'm scared that she'll share less with me, think less of me, understand me less, be less proud of me, judge me more... etc... but I'm also really proud of myself for telling her because it's a really big deal and I'm working on living in open and honest relationships.

Judo has kind of switched phases and is now much more into daddy. I think it’s made me feel much more valued for the work I put in, and makes me want to try even harder to be the best dad that I can be. It also helped me support my partner as I now have the added perspective of being on both side of the line. I guess it’s made me understand the feeling you can get when it feels like you’re truly being appreciated. The other milestone is building the additional to our home. It’s an investment that further grounds us into our life in this specific location.

My aunt passed away last spring, while I was in Florida. My cousins were upset that I could not be at the funeral. I'm grateful that was there for her while she was alive, bringing flowers & my dog to cheer her up, as best I could. I phoned my uncle each time I visited, so that they could communicate. I did so to honour my mom's memory & it brings me peace.

I went on holiday with my parents to Japan this year. It was really tough. My relationship with my mom is rocky due to her mental health. I want it to be okay but I don't trust her. I have to maintain distance. It's really hard.

We decided to try having a baby this year. This changed my view of own life goals, trajectory, and more... I've always had grand, ambitious life plans and thought I'd be in a "stronger" place when I had kids. I remember growing up and feeling like my dad was at the top of his game professionally and that we could really do what we wanted to. We didn't splurge that often, and my dad valued a good deal / not being ostentatious. But I knew we could if we wanted to. Whenever I found something with an education bent, he'd be open to buying it – whether it was camp or toys or software as I got older. I wanted to be in a certain place of "stability" before I had kids, but I'm not sure that's on the table. And I don't think it's actually been true for most people that have kids! There's a lot of instability, always, and it's a question of if you and your partner are willing to weather that with children. I think we are now. So am I equally as ambitious now? Probably not in terms of big things – those take too much risk in this moment. But I'm still creating side projects and music and hoping to generate some kind of extra income somewhere down the line from these.

My beloved grandmother died. She was the last one standing, and we were incredibly close. She started fading a few months before she died, and by the time she went I think I'd gotten some chunk of the grieving out of the way, but I still miss her all the time.

Watching Cal growing up has been amazing. We've been spending more time going on little vacations with eachother and it's been such sweetness. We all get to participate in the development of this sweet being.

Mum breaking her ankle, without question. Learned I possessed more strength and patience than I originally thought.

We haven’t had any major milestones.

We had to put Alice (our kitty) to sleep. It's been nearly four months and I still think about her every single day. I loved her so much. It was hard to let her go, but it was clearly the right and humane thing to do because she was suffering. I was very, very sad and "down" in the early days. When I think about her now, however, I smile most of the time. She was an important part of our family and will not be forgotten.

I turned 50 this year and that has me reflecting (while I am reflecting lol) and there has been a lot more acceptance of myself. Being kinder and gentler to myself is something I vow to continue!

A major milestone from this year was my mom joining a program that means she would be in a different country for about three months out of the year which is a big change and affects the whole family and household. It affected me in becoming more independent and kind of surviving on my own wow that sounds a bit dramatic. I need to plan everything and make sure everything happens and it was all on me. Also affected the dynamic between me and my mom I believe brought some distance which I’m not very happy about and I would like to change it has also brought anger and judgement that has yet to be resolved and during this year I hope to make things better though I hope it would come from her side. I assume it’s gonna be me who will be doing the confronting and solving.

Charlotte became bat mitzvah. Charlotte and I have been having a love affair for quite some time. She did a great job--especially for someone not wanting to have a bat mitzvah at all. I am proud that I took the time to prepare the breakfast basket, and even decorated it with a doggie ribbon. I am proud that I took the time to really primp. I even bought a new outfit that made me feel pretty.

I don’t have contact with my birth family, but someone who is part of my extended chosen family said the love me for the first time and it felt so healing and beautiful to be told.

Deciding to back down and work part time has been pivotal in my happiness. I do not like this new company and I do not feel they are trustworthy. They certainly skimp on everything from staffing to supplies. I desperately need to get out of medicine!

We bought a house it has beeen amazing to put down roots.

No major milestones for our family. Our son traveled overseas for a two month gig and we went to see him there. I'm not sure I call that a major milestone so much as a big event. My husband helped his mother move from her long time home to an assisted living facility. I suppose that could qualify as an extended family milestone. The impact so far has been positive, it's a relief to have her closer to family (and though not very close to us, closer to us). Hurricane Helene was a big milestone that happened to my family in Asheville. So I feel like that one was milestone-adjacent. Next year when I answer this, I'll have had a milestone birthday...I imagine that I'll have something to write about.

Our major milestone this year was making through the loss of our oldest daughter, her funeral and service in Georgia, and another memorial service done by her friends in Indiana. We are blessed by an Arts community who extended their love and caring to us in very special ways.

My Mum turned 94. She’s still going strong and I’ve told her she’s got to live til she’s 120, but her age does worry me. It didn’t help that I saw a neighbour I hadn’t seen for a while today and she basically asked me if Mum was still alive

My middle's finacée became a Jew by choice this past July. And they set a date for their wedding next May, halavai! I am very happy to have a Jewish future DIL, and potential Jewish grandchildren.

we moved out of my mom's house, finally! It is so freeing to be in our own space. We are better parents and better partners now that we don't have an audience 24/7

Nothing has really changed or happened with the family. Yoel still isn't talking to us, and we still don't know why. We see him at the theater with his GF, but he doesn't acknowledge us. Reuben is working for me part time. His anxiety prevents him from learning to drive, but he handles fully remote clients or those he can reach with transit. I don't know if he's going to go to grad school or not, but I don't think now is a good time for more student loans. Still some unfinished odds and ends projects on the house I want to get done.

Ther only one is my 40th wedding anniversary. We celebrated and Karen had her Cambodian ruby made into a lovely ring. Who ever thought I could be so lucky? x

We have decided to move. We thought that would include mom. I don’t think that is the case anymore. We have to focus on our daughter and our retirement. She had her chance to leave a legacy and failed. We won’t make the same mistake as her with our daughter.

My brother who is the closest person to me got sent away to a military school. He won’t be coming back until December. I have to be away from the person closest to me and it’s made me start going through even more stuff than I currently am.

Two retirements—one full and one semi—have changed our outlook on everything. It's time to do what we always said we wanted and live life fully.

Parents of Murdered Children could be a resource I need right now. I should contact them about writing the letter to the parole board. I feel so bled out by Arianna's murder and the trials and the victims impact statements. I know the parole board letters don't have to be done now but I may as well. Lord, can I set it aside and heal? Or should I do it now and get it over with? I blocked my mother and don't really talk to anyone else in my family. I don't want to make amends I want to move away. Lord please make an escape for me soon.

I almost didn't go to a big family reunion - it was a long flight, the events & setting didn't interest me, I had a lot on my mind. But at the very last minute, things came together & I simply showed up. I'm incredibly happy that I did, & I have vowed never to miss another reunion if at all possible. I admire my brother because he shows up, & I intend to emulate him as much as possible. Show up! is my new motto.

Our son got engaged to his girlfriend of eight years, so that is an exciting event to look forward to! He also started a new job with a law firm, so his life seems to be on track. Our daughter is doing well professionally, and we met her boyfriend's family for the first time. They just moved in together, so another big step in their relationship.

Trying to conceive and failing. Putting us in a place where we know we are committed to this mitzvah and having to put in more effort than others. Seeing the miracle of life and recognizing G-d's kingship, that He rules the world. Anything I do can be futile if it isn't meant to be.

My dad turned 70 this year, and my mom started having a few more health issues. Nothing major, but I believe they are now seeing how aging leaves an impact. It has been easy to forget, to believe that they will always be here. I see how change might be on the horizon in the next few years, as they start adapting their lifestyle to better suit their needs. It is a good reminder to me that my time with them is precious.

Nothing huge. J and I had a good year. Her move was pretty easful - I didn't feel very involved. D took a break from work. I don't think that will affect me, but it was inspiring to see and I'm hopeful that it will support both of them. And K and I started running! That was great. Not a milestone, but a way our relationship deepened.

Imma died. The last family even she attended was Dvir's brit. Ronit spent so much of the year here as a result of how quickly and drastically Imma's health collapsed it almost felt like she had moved back. I had most of my year virtually hijacked by Imma's illness, what with making arrangements, having family meals so the kids could see her, and helping Abba run errands every week, I had hardly any time for myself. I definitely saw the babies a lot less than I would have liked, and as a result sweet little Dvir doesn't know me as well as Yuli did at his age.

I am still grieving the loss of my mother. There's the trauma from supporting her in her final weeks, the grief of her absence, the stress of settling her home, the Kafka-esque nightmare of estate administration... And the kids lost another grandmother less than a year prior.

M got a new (and amazing job). Because of his job we are meant to be moving, but due to lots of things that is also on hold. It is an amazing move for him in his professional life and I am very proud and grateful that he has found something. This has given us a bit more financial stability, which is amazing. But due to the nature of the work, and possibility of moving abroad for a number of years (possibly to different locations if he keeps on being able to work with them) I have no idea what that means for me professionally. I knew I would need to look for a new job this coming year due to changes in my work, and I have no clue what I want to do next. But having the added bit of not knowing what country I will be living in now (or in the future) makes me question what could or should be next - and what does that mean for my professional life. I do want to have a professional life and no only be a stay at home mom, so how do I ensure I don't lose that, while supporting M.

Sam started kindergarten in fall 2024. Surprisingly, I felt less emotional about the first day of school than I did when Nate started kindergarten! Maybe because we knew what to expect, maybe because we were past the COVID era, maybe because I knew without a doubt that he was more than ready. It's a joy to see him learn and thrive and have such fun with his friends. He's still our cute little baby. I hope he stays that way!

My Mom was diagnosed with Parkinsons.I need to get to her before she forgets me.

My sister moved to China right before Rosh Hashanah this year. I honestly felt only excitement for her, until a week before she left. I was on a train home when I realized the next time I visited home, she wouldn't be there. She is one of the big reasons I go home and I don't know what going home looks like without her. We do everything together when I visit family and it made me sad and I started to miss her for the first time. I am still excited for her, she needed to leave our father's house, but it's bitte sweet now knowing she isn't there anymore.

We're well on our way to welcoming the first of a new generation into the family! My sil isn't due until November, but it's clear how this has shifted priorities in the family, and it's kind of nice.

My father-in-law, Tom, was discharged last week after the results of his cancer scan. This means he won't have any further treatment and he doesn't have to have regular blood tests and scans. His cancer is still there and still growing. This was probably the best we could hope for. I'm relieved for his sake that he doesn't have to spend more time in hospital and doesn't have to endure the ongoing "scanxiety" of always having the next scan hanging over him; or the results of the previous scan. I hope this means he can enjoy a relatively normal life in what he has left, which may only be months, but could be 18 months. My dad, Sandy, has also been suffering with cataracts all year. We finally heard today that he will have a pre-op next week, which presumably means it will be fixed soon. I'm hoping he recovers in time for our family gathering on Arran to scatter the last of my brother Gregory's ashes in October. Arran will also be an opportunity for me to meet Tommy, my sister Laura's boyfriend / partner. But that's a future-looking milestone. I'm supposed to be looking back with this question. How has Tom's cancer affected me? It's made me want to cherish what time we have left together. It has influenced some of my reading choices: to read books he has recommended while we still have time to discuss them together. It's made me keen to see him regularly: to encourage us to find the odd weekend when we can go down to Zeals for cooling chicken and a few hours of tech support (my love language). I guess I feel a certain sense of anticipatory grief: not just mine, but on behalf of Fran and Ros and the rest of the family. But I feel he's also in a good place. He's been writing his memoirs quite studiously for the past few years. He's spent plenty of time with his grandchildren, Jim and Tilly. He's still able to sing and play the organ in church on Sundays. It's probably been good for him to simplify life, to turn down some social events and visits, to read and spend time at home with Ros. He doesn't complain (at least not in front of us) and he seems to have quite a high tolerance for pain and discomfort. To me, at least, he seems dignified in his old age and declining health. He's still very sharp mentally - with a good memory, the ability to read and write, and good conversation. Is it a better way to go body first, before mind? There were times when I was concerned that some of the scans he had this year might have brought with them worse news and a shorter prognosis: that we might have to be prepared to drop things and abandon our holiday plans or even come home early. So I'm grateful that that hasn't happened or been necessary. When we booked our holiday in Pescara earlier this year, we were concerned that our travel insurance wouldn't cover us in the event of his death or ill health. But that thankfully never happened. I still think it makes Fran reluctant to commit to going away next year - for the Six Nations in Dublin in March, for example. My niece, Tilly, was Christened. Fran was, somewhat to her surprise, nominated as one of the godparents. I did a reading during the service. I don't really think this was a particularly big milestone in her life. But I guess it's one of those coming-of-age moments and another excuse for a family gathering. We also went to Patrick's 90th birthday party (Tom's older brother). The place was teeming with Wheares! It's bewildering how many of them there are and how they are all related to each other. It's quite a complicated family; but in some ways no different from any other family. I think this occasion felt significant because there's unlikely to be that sort of gathering again with all the same people. The implication was that Tom and/or Patrick wouldn't be there for the next one. I'm writing a lot about Fran's side of the family. What milestones have there been for the Whalens? I've established regular calls with Moira and Sandy. Oh, that's one: my friend, Mellor, from the Warnock Society, encouraged me last year to record conversations with my parents. I've had a handful of recorded Zoom calls with them where I asked them about their early lives together before marriage and children. For some reason (because I haven't prompted, most likely), we haven't done one for a while. There's always present-day stuff to discuss. But I'm really grateful I've started this project. It feeds my instinct as The Archivist. And I've learned things about my parents' lives that I didn't know about.

Losing Chutley has definitely been the most impactful change to our family this year. He had a big personality and heart, so is impossible to feel the same without him. The trauma did bring Joshua and I closer together, encouraged Joshua to be more vulnerable, and for me to show up for him so that he knows it’s okay to have feelings. I hope we can continue to have that same sense of closeness and gentle approach with each other.

The return of my daughter and subsequent birth of her son. It has totally changed my life- she is living here and my hopes and dreams of being in another love relationship is totally tanked lol- the man has remained in the shadows and I am a “mother “- perhaps this is my only calling in this lifetime. Still- I am incredibly lonely and sad. Heavily burdened and terrified of facing this world alone, with lives depending on me. It’s a lot!

Наверно я начну с того, что буквально начало происходит. Когда Божий огонь вновь загорел внутри меня после временного охлаждения, а это началось с разговора с моей сестрой Венешией, и после того как у меня был сильный кризис и эмоциональный взрыв из-за моей обиды на родителей. И это было за 3 дня до рошашаны. И потом я вновь вернулась к просмотра воскресного служения апостола Кэтрин. И её служение от 21 сентября воспламенили внутри! И я смотрела это служение 2 раза. Я поняла, что силу Божью нужно отстаивать и обновляться разумом, и стоять на обетованиях Божьих! И самое важное - проходить испытания с радостью. Как Павел сказал «Более того, мы радуемся в наших страданиях, потому что знаем, что страдания вырабатывают стойкость,» ‭‭Послание римлянам‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ НРП‬ И это придало мне силы. И внутри я поняла, что мне нужно покаяние перед Отцом и полностью доверить Ему исцеление моего и маминого сердца. Ведь это одна из больших сложностей моих отношений в семьи. Верю, что в 2026 году я в этом пункте поделюсь большими изменениями. Потому что Папа всегда на нашей стороне и хочет нашей победы

My eldest niece started school this year. It was wonderful and filled with joy and pride. Yet there was also bitter sadness and rage, at how many of our children were robbed of the experience. Those who were murdered on Oct 7 and in captivity like Ariel and Kfir Bibas, and the children whose parents were murdered or killed or held captive. I had to learn how to hold joy in one hand and heartbreak in the other, and honour feeling both. I was reminded by someone I admire that it is a mitzvah to celebrate milestones in life, to sanctify life, even in the midst of grief. They wanted to rob us of life and our Jewishness, so we must answer with more life, more mitzvahs and more Jews.

This year my stepdad George passed away. I guess it was foreshadowing and not a blip [as referenced to the year before answer]. Those last years were really difficult for him as far as his having to deal with physical pain; I am glad he no longer is suffering. But, my mom is without her husband. And, although it's been near a year since it happened, I know it's still hard on her heart to lose him. For Christmas last year, we had my mom come to California rather than me going to Florida. We're pretty sure that was a good idea in the scheme of things and it seemed to work well. This year I will be going to Florida for Christmas and it'll be my first one there without George; hers too. I know we'll be fine, but I will miss spending time with him. I am so very grateful for his taking care of my mom through the last decade plus of her life and he made sure she would be okay over the remainder of her life as well. I anticipate over the coming years that my mom and I will grow [even] closer, especially since my brother and his family have exited our family picture.

My father realised he has to place my mother in elderly care. It was liberating for both of us, letting go of guilt that we are not being good if not caring for her at home.

Last year my daughter and partner bought a house. One year later my son and his partner bought a house nearby. I am watching my kids do the things that show their security and commitment in their relationships and professions. Their relationship with each other is supportive and loving. This milestone is that we are a family Adulting together.

Major milestone is that I did not talk to my daughter for a year. I don't trust her. There have been just so many things that she has done that indicate some sort of issue - - I'm not a clinician so I'm not going to try and diagnose. But I see many many years, decades even, of her mistreating people. Chief among them is me. Mostly because I will call her out. Or at least I will point out things that are not healthy. She doesn't like that. I guess most people wouldn't! But, the time away helped me see that the only thing I could control is me. I can control my reaction. I can control what I engage in. I can control my mental health and that's what I've chosen to do. It's been very hard. I know that she triangulates with other people and those people have reacted to me based on that. But again, I can't control that. My peace of mind, my peace in my life, is important to me. And I think as I've expanded my world and got to know other people -- that's just people who are her age -- I see the immaturity in her. She started drinking in about 17 years old. I think that's the main thing here. I can't diagnose her. But I can put parameters in place that keep my mental health and my peace of mind sound.

Kids being understanding about my cancer. It’s made me happy but also sad they have to deal with this.

its made me a proud mommy. Victoria went out and started her own company. I gave her $2k for a few months but now, shes paying her own way.

A major milestone is that all of my siblings either had children or shared that they would be in 5786. This is changing how I relate to my siblings and my parents. I feel that I am more open and no longer feel like the baby as the youngest child.

A major milestone that happened this year has to be, Our twin girls becoming more independent and growing into the young adults that we believe they are. This has affected me in the way of how proud it makes their mom, she has done such a great job at raising the twins that their success gives her validation.

Dave turned 70. We gathered the whole family for a weekend that was terrific in every possible way and made him very happy. Me too. But what was actually wonderful was that there were no great big things, but a lot of little things to appreciate.

No real milestones. My husband and I got married last year so our first anniversary fell this year. It's been a growth year in that respect - learning to work through anger and stay connected through the daily grind. Hopefully we'll keep growing this year!

I've built a new family. When I was desperately lonely and upset at first, I harbored fairy tails about "your chosen family" only to realize that it's a total impossibility. There is no replacing the family you have, and it's those unbreakable bonds that define it. So, it isn't that. It's something else. I could say "family" isn't the right word because maybe it isn't, but, then again, maybe it is. People that estrange hold off, sometimes, from leaving an awful situation because they dread spending holidays alone. I did, at least. And, then, it happens: Christmas of last year, we were alone- the entire day. Carter and Laura canceled on us. Or this year: we had a nice lunch with Dan and Karen, but not a single person from home texted me. I don't really think holidays alone or birthdays uncelebrated or doing everything, just the two of us, is going to be an issue anymore. I think moving to Mexico, we've found our people. We have American friends. We have Mexican friends. We have neighbors. We have acquaintances. We have friends from Spanish class. We have couples' friends. Finally. James' number one fear with moving was that we would lose the friendships and community we had built at home. It hasn't been an issue. And, that's a really nice thing for all of us.

My father-in-law died this summer. He was in his eighties and not in especially good health, but what killed him was a fall. He fell in his home, damaged his spinal cord, and was instantly and irrecoverably paralyzed from the shoulders down. He died three weeks later. He and I were not close (I don't think he was close to anyone), and our values were completely different. I know he "loved" me in a utilitarian way in that I was the mother of the only grandchild, the wife of his son, and thus fulfilled the role he saw for women. I am sad that he died so unexpectedly and tragically, I am angry about some aspects of his treatment during the three weeks of hospitalization, and the arbitrariness of the circumstances around his death has shaken me, but I don't feel his absence as much as I feel like I should.

My brother got engaged to his girlfriend. He's ten years younger than me so it has felt exciting to have him join me at this new stage of adulthood. I'm hoping they have kids sooner than I did so that our kids can grow up together. I think the main effect is the sense of permanence and stability that I now feel when interacting with his fiancé. It is strange to think into the future that I will now have a sister to rely on and be responsible for. I'm looking forward to building this new kind of relationship.

Having to care for my dad with his pains. It’s weary at times to be on alert for all of his needs. And it’s also sad to see him struggle with his mobility.

My son, Kyle, finally reached out after two years of one day just removing himself from our family dynamic. This was after so many years of addiction and chaos. He was living with severe health issues from his drug use, like a heart attack, and kidney and liver failure, which resulted in him being on dialysis. His days of "ripping and running the streets" had ended. He went away for treatment, then to a halfway house. He found his community and his people. He began working and building a life for himself that he could be proud of. He had to separate from myself, Jay, and his brother, Hudson. We were going through a very difficult separation that became so toxic for our sons and for anyone around us. He chose himself. He chose to dig deep into himself and face his life on his own. He worked on his dramatic issues and lack of healthy coping strategies. He pushed himself and kept going, working hard and discovering things about himself that as his mother, I always knew he was capable of. At first, his decision felt really awful. He went no-contact. I felt abandoned by my son. He and I had never experienced this kind of separation, and the amount of time away from each other felt terminal. I felt I had failed him. I questioned everything about how I raised him and the kind of person/mother I thought I was. I felt a tremendous loss without him in my life. I was angry, I was sad, I felt like a failure. This child I loved so much couldn't be in my day-to-day life because of my choices throughout his life. I exposed him to all my growing pains and to a man who didn't treat him the way he deserved. I caused so much pain for this beautiful child, and all I ever wanted to do was survive as a 16-year-old single mother. I wanted to fill him with love and happiness. This past year, I realized the concept of nature. Mother birds make their babies leave the nest. She understands that if her babies stay in the nest, they will die. That keeping them there and trying to protect them from the harsh world is not protection or love; it's selfish. It's not teaching them to go out into the world and not only experience the beauty of life but also learn the lessons life gives. So when the day comes for her to watch her babies take flight from the nest for the first time, she knows they have a 50/50 chance of survival. A mother must always stand strong, and this is one of those times that she must trust in God and in her own teachings and pray that her little bird flies and lands on his feet. For if he stays, he will wither away in that nest and inevitably die.

I broke up with my boyfriend for whom I had to swallow myself in order to keep the relationship afloat. This breakup allowed me to be fully honest and tap into a deep grounded power that has always been inside of me. And this honesty and tapping in has allowed for a deeper connection with my sweet sister.

Either my daughter going into high school or being able to take two family trips to California (Disneyland, Joshua Tree) and Maine (Acadia). Both of these mark the passage of time but also have allowed us to grow as people and a family. Glad to make these memories while we can!

The passing of my sister, may her memory be a blessing, was an eye opening and saddening experience for all of my siblings and me. It took me 6 months to write a poem about her life and passing and how it affected everyone. She will always be remembered for her daily tweets morning and evening; her childlike attitude and humor. I miss you, sweetheart. I love you! When you took your last breath, no one was prepared. I hope you visit me spiritually and I’ll listen to you sing to me what heaven’s like. Please dear sister. give G-d my love and give Him an angel hug from me. Ily

Luke’s Bar Mitzvah! His prayers, his singing, his haftorah, his analysis of the Torah were just awesome! I am so happy we were there to see it! And the parties we’re just so fun and celebratory!!

I got a new job out of the house, which meant that I have to commute to an office three days a week. It's been a little stressful, even if I'm grateful for gainful employment.

My older kids--my stepkids--moved from California to Canada with their mother. It has not been an amicable process. Everything that tottered along under a thin veneer of civility is stalled out and contentious: child support. Visitation. Communication. The big girls are not talking to their dad at all. The big boy e-mails covertly. After over 10 years of sticking to the parenting agreement there are court dates. There is straight up parental alienation and a misinformation campaign. My little girl thinks her big sisters must hate her, because she is their dad's little daughter and they are mad at him. I don't know if my little boys will ever know their sisters and brother. I am so sad. And also, a little relieved. The wound that festered for a decade is open. Will it get cleaned out and.have a chance to heal? Will it kill us? Will the undercurrent of sadness resolve, or just change? Because we don't have to live here for the kids in the more, we can let loose our tenuous grip on this expensive, unliveable city. I applied for another job and got it and I am thrilled and terrified. We are moving far away. We are buying a house. We are going where the kids can have a longer leash. Everything is different. It is scorched earth and yet, I am a Westerner and I know some forests have to burn over so they can grow. In the stress and heartbreak I have a small hope that we are growing, the kids are growing, we will emerge green and healthier than we were.

There hasn't been a major milestone with my family, or even a minor one. I feel like I'm at the very bottom of my son's list of important things. We have very little contact. My grandkids barely know me. Months go by without a peep from him and it really hurts. I've stopped trying.

My mom finally moved in with my sister. Mom was lacking the skills and the money to take care of herself, and I was supporting her off and on. I kept her car insured, despite how many accidents he had. I funded repairs to her run down mobile home. My sister put all these conditions on having mom move in with her, and they got along terribly for months. Then it all seemed to calm down and work out. It feels great not to have that constant dread that she will need me but I'll be too broke to do anything. I really hated how much money became a part of our relationship, so things are much better now.

We worked with a financial planner and learned how to use YBAB. It helped us get a sense of control over finances. We're going back with her in a couple of weeks to continue the project.

The only major milestone I can think of is that my son started driving on his own. It's nice not having to take him to and from school all the time but on the other hand I do worry a little more about something happening. He is a good driver though.

my nephew got in university in lisbon and he is living now with his father, my brother. My mother os losing her memory and that affects me because it looks that i am the only one that cares about it. Noone excepts the ex wife of my brother, who is my friend, that actually is like a sister and a second daughter of my mother´s.

This last year, our eldest son had a baby girl - our first grandchild. The world looks greatly different with a grandchild to carry on our family stuff - oral history, family traditions, religion, knowledge. The impact of this is far reaching and at 9-months we still don't fully understand all of the ramifications.

My cousin and aunt, who is like a mother to me took a family vacation for the first time all together to Rehoboth

My niece is still taking care of my sister. She’s disabled and has dementia, it’s so heartbreaking. Also as everyone, Trump in the Whitehouse dismantling our constitution and freedoms has driven me to depression, but I know I’m not alone and several others feel the same as I. I can talk about it to my niece because she works for PBS and may lose her job soon.

It's been a year of plugging along, trying new things, doing well with some, and less well with others. But major milestone? Not this year. And frankly, that's okay. The world is a big fat ugly mess and just plugging along feels pretty safe.

My sister just got engaged. This was a bit of a shock to our family at first, but we’ve grown to accept it. I want to be supportive and lean in to it so that our relationship can become stronger, even if Im not certain this makes sense for her now. Maybe that’s bad to say but I’m hoping that it works out for the best.

No idea. Will ponder this and see if I can think of something.

My parents divorce was finalized. It really felt like a weight was lifted from both my parents and their respective new partners and they could each move on. My mom got engaged and I feel she especially is in a better mood since that chapter of her life has come to a proper close.

The twins' b'nei mitzvot! Huge deal. It means we're finally out of the preparing-for-bar/bat mitzvah game and we got our Saturdays back. Though going on the high holidays always makes me want to go more often. Sometimes we even do. Maybe DW and I should go without the kids. They can stay home and sleep and do homework (no screen Saturdays is imperfect but we love it) and probably go on Pokemon walks, and we can go get our community on, as it were. Anyway, it was a crazy thing to think that we're old enough for this. Of course the oldest one is going to college next year so we are clearly old enough for a lot of things. (Dear older me: Can you tell I wrote this so it could be a public answer? Good job, I did indeed! Fortunately you know who all the players are, so you're awesome. Really, you're great. Just forgetful.)

Nothing major really stands out. Everyone is mostly healthy for which I am grateful.

No major milestones except getting a year older 71 and 83. GPC's health is better since he got vein surgery, he's doing well with selling carvings, and birds are all well, all 9 of them. Job at Goodwill looks promising and my DOL training allows some travel.

I didn't really have a major milestone.

No major milestones but one granddaughter has started first grade and the other T/K. It's fun to watch then learn and get greater competencies.

Julian started walking and now he is talking. He is the most adorable guy...not surprising that he gets not only his gorgeous little face, but his lightness of being from his beautiful parents. He definitely inspires me to want to live to 120 because I really want to watch him being himself.

My uncle died summer. I guess it's finally hitting me how old my mom really is & that there is a time coming, sooner than I want to acknowledge, where she won't be around.

Our daughter gave birth after years of sharing that it was not in the plans. Sweetest gift to everyone in the family on both sides!!!

I started my own path of Judaism separate from my parents, keeping g kashrut and shabbat.

A major milestone this year is that my mother finally said she believes me that my father sexually abused me as a child. I was rather disappointed that this had less of an impact than I thought it would. I somehow thought she would become a different person - that she would want to help me heal somehow. When I went to see her to talk about it in person, it was clear to me that she is not the kind of person who particularly cares about how other people feel and I just could not find a way to connect with her.

My oldest has decided to transition from male to female. Or at least they have taken the first steps to -- they've begun estrogen. I'm pretty excited for them -- they seem awake and engage and in charge of themselves in a way they haven't really since, well, since the onset of puberty I love this kid so much. I hope this helps them be happier. <3

Major milestones this year - aging parents! My mom's dementia has accelerated enough that I no longer feel that her best life is particularly tolerable/worth living. Also, her brother, finally died this past spring after three painful years of liver failure. Ann got a new dog pronto. Mom has demonstrated signs of maybe moving on/out but who knows. Lots of ambulance rides this past year for her. Nancy went to a wedding and fell- breaking her nose and ultimately concussing herself into a seizure. My Dad is hanging on - but is clearly less sharp or resilient as he used to be. Slowing down. Sam and Jessi moved in together. Sam visited Dewey. Ellie got herself a bf- Noah. I am not sure if these things are major milestones but the family river keeps flowing. Ray may or may not have prostate cancer - and Jackie came for a month to live in Chicago and try it out. She seemed to like it and of course was the belle of the ball at The Breakers.

Being accepted into my doctoral program. It's the first thing in my life that I've chosen that's really for ME. Yes, it benefits my work, and those I serve, but it was my choice, to increase my knowledge and skill set, and I want to do it because it matters to me. Knowing I was able to be accepted so early in my career was very affirming tol tell me I'm on the right path.

My father has survived 2 years after breaking his hip, and 1 year of living in his home with 24/7 care instead of in an assisted living facility. He is undoubtedly happier and healthier living in his own home. 24/7 care is much more expensive than assisted living. I'm paying for his care, and I feel trapped in a toxic job because I don't want to have to use more of my retirement savings to pay for his care.

Copy - paste from last year to this. Is it possible Jared’s been gone 18 months? Jason is 51, Adam will be 41, twins are 8, Lev is driving? Is it possible DJT got elected? The Gaza war continues as does antisemitism. Economy going to shit but our wealth (401k’s) keeps growing. Gap between rich and poor will someday reach a breaking point. Tactically our life has never been better. No more sleepless nights or worry about Jared’s future, replaced by old age aches and pains, grief, and anxiety. I now feel officially old, difficulty walking for long distances, fatigue from a recent bout with mono, shaky hands and possibly some minor memory issues. Sandi grows old gracefully- god bless her. Wish I could do the same.

I retired in July. I have never been happier. My daughter’s relapses and my husband’s 3 cancers this past year did not deter me. I love being retired and I feel fortunate to have this chapter of life. Life is good!

We survived 3 hurricanes. I have a much greater sympathy for those who have been more severely impacted by catastrophic events. We never were hungry or without medicine. My heart bleeds for those who needlessly are without life saving assistance. We as a world need to do better.

The family “reunion” in SC was more of an internal milestone. Seeing the postcard from Henri to Helene with my family, asking big questions about my familial relationships and trying to figure out where/when to put energy—and what’s going to be required of me to do solo vs with my parents is a new set of thoughts and questions I have for myself. I think it’s also made me ask myself if the epigenetics really is something I’m interested in and I think has led to my deep dive on this topic.

My son has been unemployed after graduating. He was housed and employed until August in Philadelphia last year. It's been incredibly sad and frustrating to watch him apply for jobs and have nothing come to fruition. He needs a job. He needs his own money. I don't mind him living with me, but he craves the independence he had in Philly. I try not to fully empathize with him, but you are only as happy as your unhappiest child. Sigh

We have been in the house two years. It is really nice to have a home. At the same time it is very scary to think about losing it. Everything is scary right now. We may lose our jobs or worse. The government is becoming an authoritarian regime.

The oldest daughter started her second career, med school, and she is doing it all on her own, realizing that life is harder that it seems, and she has to work for whar she wants.

Three things, Sara having Quinn, Zach dating Jen, and my dad buying the Tribeca apartment. All very significant for different reasons and brought a lot of joy to our lives. I am so happy for Zach. I think he is so loving and caring and deserves a partner that wants to grow with him. My dad has been a provider for all of his life and him doing this showed me it will never stop. I am so grateful. I am happy he loves me so much.

My nephew got married. But, I live alone with no kids, so most of my major events are my own (I'm 81). My most major event of the past year started when I suffered acute back pain, first week Feb 2024. Pain grew & duplicated so I'm now dealing with low back, right shoulder, and most painful right hip. It has upset my entire life--limited social activity, inability to concentrate, very limited mobility, no exercise and--no relief from multiple medical procedures. Rosh Hashana (5785:9/23/25) caused me to reflect--maybe I'm not living up to my end of the bargain? (Hashem gave me life, it's my responsibility to care for it.) Sooo, i'm uncurling the ball (the one I curled up into when the pain struck) and am trying to walk routinely, will go back to the pool (aerobics--I found that swimming was painful), and am hoping to rebuild some of the muscle loss I've "invited" over the past eight months. My own milestone for this year.

My aunt passed at 90 something years old. She was a spitfire and a lovely little old lady. Her funeral was truly a celebration and it was so nice to see so many of my mother's relatives and hear how much they loved her and how much I reminded them of her. It helped me feel closer to them again and reconnect to stay in touch better.

First: My Dad's Dog Jasper passed. A little over two years since my dad passed I had to put down his Pup Jasper. It was so much harder than I thought it would be. It was almost like losing my dad all over again. Second: My Mom just got an offer on her house and her offer to buy a smaller house was accepted. This is huge in another couple of weeks my mom will be in her new house and, hopefully, things will begin to settle.

Like her older sister did a few years ago, my daughter had a double mastectomy. We all have the BRACA-2 mutation, and at age 41 I survived extensive and terrifying stage 4 cancer when they were little. Now both are in their 30s and I can’t help feeling responsible. I know it’s not my fault. But I feel it nevertheless.

We were able to travel together on vacation (Everyone) for the first time since the kids were married. We all took a trip to Hawaii, and the trip went well as we enjoyed ourselves, talked, and were together. This was a major milestone because my two children are so competitive. While the trip had a couple of hiccups, it was one of the best trips I have had with my family.

My dad has been in and out of the hospital over and over again, and my sister and I have been trying to get my mom to think about assisted living for our dad. She wants to be his caregiver (he was also diagnosed with dementia) but now her health is declining. My personal thoughts are that my dad will run my mom into the ground. She has heart surgery scheduled in two weeks in San Diego. My sister, brother-in-law, and I will stay at a house rental for a few days so we can all be there for my mom (and dad). My prayers and hopes are very positive for a good outcome. My mom is looking forward to a cruise in November. My aunt had to relocate to Texas because she ran out of money in her retirement, living in California. She's sad and lonely, but I think she just needs time to make new friends.

Susan's mother passed away last week at 101. We kind of miss her, but I think she's in a better place now. Susan has been tied up with her mother's caregivers for quite some time now. She is now going to have more time, and I wonder how it will affect us. She has hardly gone to our cabin in Wisconsin, and I hope that we can now go there more often. I also always wanted to travel, but I can't take Susan to most places I want to go because of her restrictive diet and fear of getting sick.

Ian seems totally out of family - not only has he not come to family gatherings for several years, Andy has not seen him - just send him money each week and texts with him. Makes me said.

Both kids now attend ANCS. One drop off for the forseeable future, and much less stress knowing that we can be confident in our children’s school. Misha entering K has also come with some challenges too. He’s become much more social and sometimes even is getting into some trouble. I am happy that he has friends though and is fitting in nicely at ANCS. Helena and him just sang the guiding principals song in the bath tub together the other night, it was super cute even though misha only knew legitimately probably half the words. This move has simplified our life’s drastically and reduced transit time and the role Solomon can play in their lives, dropping kids off and picking them up from school. Misha continues to learn how to read and is already apparently at a first grade level. Helena seems to be catching up in math too which is nice and starting to learn multiplication and division, big math milestones. School has also finally become harder and Helena is not always so happy to go anymore as it’s less play and more serious.

I'm not aware of any major milestones with the exception of some of my family getting older. One of my aunts turned 89 and my step-father turned 86. I think that is significant. My cousin's daughter started pre-school. So, milestones from one end of the age spectrum to another.

My wife lost her aunt, as I decided to convert to Judaism. It was a one, two punch for her.

We finally got our kitchen remodeled. It's funny, because it is so timeless that I bet no one would guess it's new... But I love it! The counters and flooring are simple and classic in our 1961 house, and it has the best backsplash - so fun and so 1960s. It makes working in my kitchen, which as a daily home-chef I do a lot, so much more pleasant. We also saved a ton on the counters by getting the cheapest ones (laminate) - a lot of counter tops are linked with cancer in workers - and while I don't LOVE my counters, they cost thousands less than quartz. Now, we are getting some new windows with that remainder.

Aunt Sue died, very suddenly, from a disintegrating aorta. We've all been consoling Uncle Bruce as best we can. As always, memento mori, life is so short. May we savor the moments we have, and love as much as we can.

We became empty nesters. I am surprised how much this transition has affected me emotionally. I've known this day would come since the day I became a parent. Yet, I didn't expect to feel the hollowness or loneliness after decades of parenting. I am thrilled to see my children thriving, but I feel somewhat obsolete. At the same time I am looking for work professionally, it's as if I'm out of a job at home, too.

My mother’s death has brought my brothers and I closer together. We now live in the same town and can support each other in all sorts of ways.

My brother and sister-in -law celebrated their 80th birthdays this year, and I was able to celebrate with them for my brothers’s special party. I am three years behind him and realize that there is less road ahead for all of us. It gives one a chance to place emotional, spiritual and practical concerns on a not too high shelf.

My son chose to get a tattoo on his calf with a blue ribbon for prostate cancer and with the unicorn Spike, the official logo and symbol of the Boston Marathon. When his father was diagnosed, he ran the Marathon as part of the Dana Farber research team and raised a significant amount for cancer research. He recently informed me the next time he will run this marathon and raise funds will be after his father dies. We are both hoping that will be far in the future. I am so proud of how he is handling it all, coupled with his now visible commitment to raising awareness of prostrate cancer, and his fundraising.

The kids started new schools. Mila started kindergarten and seems to be doing well so far. Luka is in a District 75 school and so far is adapting well to the classroom but may still be a little lazy with school work. I worry that will enable his task avoidance, but we will see. Luka’s bussing got set up and helps us time up our mornings, then I walk Mila to school which is a bit of a hike. But she enters the school all by herself like a big girl and I’m very proud of her. It’s good to see her progressing, and I hope to see some similar progress from Luka soon.

It is every parents hope and dream to see their children happy. My eldest daughter struggling in life ,coping with a learning disability that has made her vulnerable to those of ill intent, found her match in life. They were married this past December after living together for 3 years. Each bearing the load of their past they take comfort in each other and have found peace. An enormous uncertainty about her and my grandsons futures appears to be answered. May it be G-ds will to see their marriage be long lasting,happy,healthy and blessed.

I bought a house with my then-partner and three of our friends – perhaps chosen family. And my then-partner and I sold the house we had lived in together. A few weeks ago we separated, due to disagreeing about whether we wanted to have children, but are still living together in adjacent units of our collective home, as friends and neighbors. I am learning to adapt to changing relationships, growing, becoming who we are meant to be even if it means change is painful sometimes.

My daughter moved to NYC. I am filled with happiness for her adventure, sadness because I miss her and anxiety for her husband who is still looking for work as a scientist in this impossible time.

I think with the loss of Sarah, there’s this compelling argument to be made, that none of us live forever🤦🏽‍♀️🤭💯, so it is imperative to focus on that what you find important— what you love, what you want to learn. This is different for everyone. And, I realize, beyond all measure, I am blessed with, given my circumstances, the leisure to pursue my passions. No everyone gets the time or even knows what it is they want from this life.🌷

Both Em and I turned 40. This has forced both of us to focus on what we want out of life a lot more. We are officially middle-aged. As a result we have seriously considered emigrating to New Zealand in the next few years. It's not a final decision but it is something we are both very keen to do - if we don't do it before 2030, we'll never live anywhere other than the UK....which would make me sad

A major milestone for my family was Lillie skipping 3rd grade. To reflect back on the experience I can see how much we all grew as a family through the difficulty. We asked for support (getting the psychoed eval, continually checking in with administration, leaning on Genie), and changed patterns (staying small, being easy, being seen for achievement). We took homework off the table despite the fear it caused (what if she never does HW again? who are we to not follow the expectation) because we trusted that is what we needed as a family in that moment. This year has been smooth, fulfilling, engaging, and Lillie has been able to blossom as her full self.

We got a puppy for my daughter but it’s been immensely harder than I expected and I think it might have been a mistake. All the work falls on me, my life has been upended and now revolves around the pup, and I feel exhausted, drained and sad. My husband is having a midlife crisis and sounds like he’s 26 again, but worse. There might be drastic changes in my life and future. I’m scared, feel blindsided, but I’m also fed up with his immaturity, resentfulness, and shallowness.

My last grandchild has gone to university. I wonder if I will live to be at her graduation

The obvious answer: My younger daughter completing her Astrophysics Ph.D. and going to work for NASA, pursuing her life long dream of being a "planet hunter." For me, it's been of gratifying outcome to following the dictum "Never do for you child what they can do for themselves." I continue to support her from a far -- she still loves, values, and respects her Dad! -- but she is living the life that she is choosing.

My mom retired on her 68th birthday. We had a lovely, catered celebration in the backyard. I’m happy to see her floating in the pool and focusing on her health. I have an appreciation for the sacrifices she has made to take care of the family and to always provide for my brother and me. We also had a nice family gathering for my Great Uncles funeral. Uncle Micky. It was my first time back in Alturas since after nanny and grandma died. We had a great stay at an airbnb and made the trek up to the family tree on the garden to spread Uncle Brad’s ashes. It was a special and heartwarming experience. Really made me appreciate my family, however the dysfunction of alcoholism has made its way through our lives. I was able to show up as a sober person in recovery and placed my 15 year sobriety token in the bark of the family tree (right by the beer cans).

I'm not sure it counts as a major milestone, but we were in London for Passover this year as it coincided with Easter holidays. Elliott and I practiced Mah Nishtanah in the weeks preceding, and was really looking forward to singing it with Adam. In the afternoon before Seder night, Elliott feel off the monkey bars and broke his wrist. He was devastated at the prospect of missing seder to go to A&E. So we stayed for the first half an hour, to make sure he got the 4 questions in. So it was a major milestone in that it was Elliott's first broken bone. I very much doubt it will be the last. But it was also an opportunity to realise how much Elliott has to gain from being a part of my jewish family and culture and how important it is for us to keep that element of our lives accessible to him as he grows up. While I write, I am conscious that I made zero effort with marking Rosh hashanah. But I really should try harder.

My son got engaged! When people would ask me if it was "serious", I tended to say that although I didn't really see them going the distance, I also couldn't really imagine them breaking up. Maybe I was afraid of what it would do to my son if they broke up. In any event, they have grown. They've weathered some things. They got sober together. They've matured. And now they're getting married and I couldn't be happier! I don't hang my happiness on them, but it sure is a balm to have something nice to look forward to.

My sister and I reconciled. There was a lot of emotional baggage after my Mom died. My sister was grieving and constantly lashed out because I did not react to Mom's death in the same way that my sister did. My Mom and I had a good relationship and the only things that needed to be resolved could not be resolved, because of her dementia. I forgave her and moved on. My sister had a harder time doing the same.

Sadly, it has made me more than sedentary.I am no longer able to walk with confidence or for very far without wheezing and stopping to rest

My partner died. I had my first book, a novel, published. I am moving out of the apartment I have lived in for 13 years. I am experiencing depression, sadness, anxiety and trying to be excited about an upcoming book tour. So, yeah, not embarrassed to say I'm a mess.

My mom requires skilled nursing now. She had to live where she's been for 9 years to a less homey location. She left her 2 room apartment for a single room. Her room is very far from the door so her friends have a harder time seeing her. I am even more stressed.

This is the same answer as question 1 with the significant experience. Husband getting on a plane was HUGE! He said he felt changed by the experience and I’m proud (kinda hate that word; happy? Elated? Excited? Something…) that I could contribute to him feeling safe while traveling with a wheelchair.

The biggest milestone is that after 4 years of brutal IVF treatments, everything else put on back burner or hold including relationships with us, daughter has finally gotten pregnant. Instead of being excited I am fairly anxious, since relationship with this daughter has an undercurrent of resentment not far from the surface. I don't know what will be expected or required of me, and I will need to watch my expectations carefully.

Lots of engagements and weddings in this past year. Mimi got married and we had a lovely time at the wedding in Chico. Alissa got engaged and will get married next November, with Marc officiating Lauren is getting married on Oct 11, one year to the day of my Dad's passing. We had his unveiling this past weekend and it was a beautiful way to honor his memory. I am holding many things at once but in all of it, trying to honor my Dad and all he stood for in the world, kindness, goodness and tikkun olam.

It seems silly but I went to a new doctor at a different hospital and got off of a medication I no longer needed

Two of my grandchildren work in the U.S. Congress for the summer (Jeffries and Shumer) and two others are in college and they are all wonderful people.

Parents moving was a group effort and initially a hard sell. Hearing that it was 'the right move at the right time' was gratifying, and rewarding.

Our daughter got married! He is a great young man (but I do hope he gets a job soon) and our family is expanding. We also spent some time in Chicago with our other daughter and got to know her partner and his parents. All are wonderful people and we feel like we made some new friends, too.

This was my answer to question 1. I reconnected with family (parents) after being semi estranged since before Covid. Political divisions made being around them stressful. Everyone behaved during our visit, so I'm open to future visits.

Most of my family has made Aliya this year, I thought I was ready, but I am here to be with my children. Also my upstairs neighbours are being a nuisance. I really getting annoyed and want it to stop. I am very sensitive.

My eldest granddaughter graduated from Georgetown Law School and my step-son invited me to the ceremonies. I went with my late husband's ex-wife (my wife-in-law) and her husband, and was treated as if I had been family forever. No tension, no walking on eggs or watching my words, no need to. My youngest grandson graduated from high school in Tarpon, FL. My daughter & I flew for a 3-day visit for the ceremonies. My son's step-son Lee & daughter-in-law Ana see me as "Bubby". I am honored that I'm seen as part of their family. Lee's aunt & uncle and his cousins have also made me part of the family. Once again, there is a lot of love. My actual birthday was the day we flew to FL, and there was a cake and goodies at the trivia night my son emcees. Lots of good feelings.

My grandpa died at the age of 94. I miss him a lot. He was always there for me cheering me on. My grandma is understandably grieving profoundly. She is my surrogate mother and I want to support her through this. May his memory be a blessing for us both.

A major milestone that happened this year was me being laid off. It has made finances a bit more of a concern, although I had the privilege of a retirement fund to draw off of to support me and Vivian while I get my shit together. It has given me the opportunity, however, to examine my priorities and purpose and live a more intentional life.

Well, we moved out of the US. We knew it was likely coming last year - I reread my questions from right before the election and we were so full of hope but so poised to run, and then what happened happened and we made our plan and got out. It has affected everything, obviously, but the primary effect so far is just the joy and release of fear that comes from being away from the daily stress of living under another round of this regime. We sorrow for friends and family left behind, but we live with our shoulders not hunched up from stress, our daily interactions not tainted with wariness, and our overall lives so much more able to breathe. Australia is truly a breath of fresh air.

My husband received a kidney transplant from a living donor. It's affected me in so many ways, from the deep, humbling gratitude to the donor (a remarkable young woman, previously a stranger), to the increased demands on me as a caregiver. Renewed marvel at the medical sciences, and the talent and human-ness of healthcare providers (the surgeons geeked out over how "gorgeous!" the kidney was). And there are new worries: Will he take care of the new kidney? Will it stay healthy? Can his body manage the challenges of the medications?

Bob has really taken weight loss and health in hand and is significantly stronger and more mobile. He is taking this action further by scheduling a knee replacement two weeks from today. The surgery scares me, but we are both hopeful he will come out of it with less pain and more mobility.

I guess my cancer diagnosis was the biggest thing that happened this past year. It has made me more aware of my mortality and also made me appreciate the love and support from friends, family, and folks I was surprised to get it from.

We took a trip to Europe just the four of us! It reminded me what a rich and wonderful experience it is to travel and how I hope to be able to do it more and encourage my children to do so, too. It felt like a big deal to travel without my parents which was empowering. Along the way we also learned that our kids are who they are and even if we are spending a lot of money on them and providing them with special experiences, we won't always receive the gratitude we expect.

I honestly can't think of a major milestone for the family this year. Things have been in process, both positive and negative: my father's health is slowly failing, but he hangs on as the size of his life slowly shrinks. My son grows every more independent, but just a tiny step at a time. He is still financially dependent on me and not always terribly responsible about money, though I think he tries. My husband and I go along peacefully with our unusual marriage, nine months together in CA, two months or so apart, one month where I visit him in Sweden. I have started to discuss moving to Sweden... that would be a milestone, but it hasn't happened yet, and won't as long as our cat in CA is still with us. So... no big milestones.

My mom passed away suddenly on 8/2. We had a complicated relationship - her ongoing re-enactment of the ways her mother rejected her over and over thru her life, my eventual refusal to participate in the drama by holding firm when she screamed, cursed, physically pushed me. She flipped between this mode and nice-midwestern-Jewish-lady. I kept telling her "I don't know how long we have together; this isn't how I want to be relating to you". Ultimately it was a big lesson in Things I Cannot Control, no matter how much I deserved a loving and boundary-respecting mother. I feel more alone in the world, realizing I have to be my own parent now.

My love, my partner of more than 20 years (F, 79) is retiring in January. (I'm F, 64). She owns a shop and loves it deeply--her identity is very tied up in it. She is an exceptional person. who overcame both a childhood that was truly a nightmare and a diagnoses that predicted she'd never live to see age 30, to achieve this marvelous thing that she loves. So, it hasn't happened yet (I'll probably be writing about it next year!) but its coming is very present to us both as well as to her staff. I am proud of her, I am worried about her, I wonder how she'll cope (she wonders how she'll cope!). I always said, they would have to pry her shop out of her cold, dead hands. She wanted very much to die in the saddle, but that was not to be. It's affected me already in that I know both our lives will change. I'm not ready to retire, but I'm already considering doing so earlier now, so that we can have good time together. I'm already (happy to be) her driver for doctor's appointments, etc. We already vacation twice/ year at the seashore. Things will change, but we don't yet know how.

My parents just celebrated their 50th anniversary. As I'm 48, that number should scare me but it doesn't. I'm very much looking forward to getting older and slowing down a little bit.

We have a new little grandson. I’m going to be taking on lots of babysitting.

My family and I have successfully managed to send me off to university in a different city,, which I am sure is far from what they had in mind. Even though it was not the university I had in mind, I have been able to live a life of luxury. If only I had known and learnt the language, it would have made conversations way easier. I miss having my parents and close friends around, but alas, life moves on.

My 15 year old Golden Retriever died in my arms. I was crushed. All my family is of Blessed Memory

Rafi entered the IDF. I am proud and completely freaked out. No one is not affected by military service, even not during a time of war. I am overwhelmingly proud that he will be defending our people. I am petrified that one of the nicest human beings I have ever known, a truly gentle soul, will change in scary ways. And, of course, may he be protected from all harm.

A. started walking and talking. I was so curious what his little personality would be when he started to talk - I couldn't imagine it. But it happens so gradually that there was never actually any surprise. Anyway, he's a delight.

Christian finished chemotherapy. It hasn’t really even sunk in yet. Three years ago he went to the Fryburg fair and could hardly walk. He was so winded and sick from the chemotherapy. Mow he’s planning to go with his old friends. It’s hard to let everything sink in that everything’s OK.

I was invited to my husbands daughters home and it all flowed. I felt very well.

I don't know if my mother-in-law's death was a milestone, but it did reconfigure our lives, both on an every day level with resources spent caring for her but also on how we observe various holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Passover, Thanksgiving)

I have a new boyfriend, and I consider him family even though we have no plans to get married or live together because we are at a late stage in our lives where we are not looking to marriage or having children. This has affected me in just about every way as for the time we spend together and our thoughts and feelings about love. He gets me like no one else ever has. I do have other family on the Mainland as I live in Hawaii. Things are more or less good with them. I have written of them in past years as they have gone through challenges.

Four out of five of my grandchildren can now text - through iPhones or an Apple watch. I'm enjoying sending them messages. I think I'll send them all a hug right now!

I think I have answered this with the other two days. My neice had another child, who was very premature but who is doing fine. She got together with another man another love of her life, who mostly turn out to be abusive or hopeless. I really hope this one is a keeper. I have not kept in as much contact as I wish I had, but we really don't have a proper connection to hook a relationship onto. I could weave one though if I really thought it was important.

This was the year that the extended family mourned my sister’s passing. Her daughters and grandchildren reached out to me more than usual - I’m the next-in-line matriarch. My sister chose to call it quits at age 91; she stopped eating and drinking. It’s called home hospice. She had decidedly made up her mind and I supported her choice. But over this past year, I’ve seen what it cost her daughters — effectively, she needed their help with the red tape, etc — and one daughter in particular suffered greatly. I continue to ponder what I’d do in my sister’s case.

Our son, Spencer, graduated from college in May. There are two parts to this event - one involving our son. Not in any way a reflection of him, his abilities, or anything else, it is nonetheless the case that circumstances - some legit, some not - conspire to deflect a young person from a particular direction into another. To be fair, we said to Spencer (and we meant it), that while he HAD to graduate from high school ON TIME (no G.E.D. or anything else), it is not a "race" afterword. If he decided to go to trade school, join the army, or some other non-liberal-arts-college pursuit, we would have approved had it felt like a good direction for him. We are nonetheless surprised, thrilled, and proud to see him graduate from a liberal arts school (So. New Hampshire) in 4 years...neither part of which we considered a given. It is absolutely amazing. The other part of the story, as I had written in Day 1, was the "watch party" we staged for Spencer's grandparents in Florida, who are too frail to travel up north any longer. They were heartbroken at not being able to come, so we created an "elevated" experience by renting a movie theater, playing the live video on the big screen, and catering in a breakfast for them, the family, and their friends. It reminds me of what happened when I turned 8 days old (the bris ceremony), on May 1, 1971. My father (z"l) insisted that his grandfather - my great-grandfather, Abraham (z"l) - be the person to hold the baby (the "sandek."). Abraham had suffered a stroke several months earlier and was in a facility, unable to walk or talk. My parents had no idea how the stroke affected Abraham's cognition, and whether he would have any knowledge of what was happening. My father ordered his father (my grandfather, Abraham's son, Aaron) to bring the old man to our Yonkers apartment. Even after arriving there, Aaron was still not thrilled at having had to do it...until I was placed in the old man's arms, and Abraham started to cry. Abraham knew exactly what was happening, and the effort it took to bring him there. That was my father's first opportunity to honor his elders in a profound way. Spencer's graduation wasn't my first opportunity, but it was a profound, emphatic one.

we celebrated five years married and started looking to buy a house. i never thought i'd make it this far in life. i always figured i'd die way young by my own hand. so to see myself in a happy relationship, thinking about the longterm, it's still unreal to me.

Milestones w/ both our children: Our daughter and her partner announced they will formally marry--an emotionally fraught move for her b/c of her previous, brief, cross-national marriage when she was 18, he 19. Both young and sweet, but clearly not a good match. Left her quite leery of the whole thing. Current partner clearly a great match, though, and someone who clearly does enjoy traditions. Happy that they have been able to work together to solidify their relationship. And our son--we were able to splurge on a visit to Las Vegas to spend time w/ him and have him show us his work environment (circus performing). And, most fun, was getting to meet his current partner (professional and personal) who appears to be a wonderful person and a wonderful match for him.

The new company my husband started working at last year lost its funding, so he lost his job. The whole video game industry has changed so much that it looks like he's not going to be able to get another job. I'm worried about him losing his sense of purpose and the joy he used to get out of doing a great job and seeing kids enjoying his games. I have tried several times to get him to do some volunteer work to help replace some of what he has lost, but so far he hasn't been interested.

The only thing I can think of happened to me personally: I had two heart surgeries that, knock wood, corrected all the frequent rhythms irregularities I was living with. I am so grateful to the doctors and modern medicine.

I reflect on how my son has been off drugs for 2 years! Having a relationship with him, his girlfriend, and my other son has allowed me to create a home where all feel comfortable and safe.

My cousin, the daughter of my first cousin, recently got married. It was the first time that so many of my relatives were together in a really long time. It was also my son’s first wedding and he charmed everyone. It was amazing to see the joy from the bride and groom and from all of their family and friends.

Cassi found a job immediately after graduating, that paid very well. Supposedly soil testing for the Eaton fire recovery, she ended up actually being a TFL, not sure what that means but she worked in the field directing the crews felling and transporting the trees damaged or killed in the fire. She had to talk to homeowners, direct the cutting crews, manage what they were doing, answer questions and field complaints from property owners. 10-12 hours a day, 6 or 7 days a week. She did such a good job she was transferred to their operation in Chico, which was behind schedule. Even though she doesn't have much problem with this, I think it was a real ego boost. I'm certainly very proud. She's a slight thing, easy to take as weak and little - she's always been immensely strong, in body and will. And she made more money in four months than I've seen at one time in my entire life, so there is that too. It was, by nature, temporary. But she has a reputation with her workers and her company as someone that gets the job done, and is pleasant to work with. And being field work she has a better resume now with the fields she does want to work in, field paleontology. It expanded her knowledge base, her ability to deal with people in a customer service and management setting. And it tested her will power, her ability to do hard work for extended periods. Enriching in every sense.

I haven't gone to church in decades but have avoided my Catholic family knowing. (I don't know how they haven't suspected.) When my older sister came to visit for a weekend, I didn't hide it I just didn't go. There was some push back but not much. But she told my mother. My mother spoke to my younger sister about it and she outed herself for not going to church. She asked if I had prevented anyone from going to church. The answer was no and my sister changed the subject. In a way I feel relieved but I'm also anticipating the other shoe to drop as if this is the family scandal of the century.

my trip to Switzerland in time with my sister and her husband were very meaningful and impactful in all the ways that I had hoped and even more so.

August dying and the fallout after his death was the biggest family milestone of the past year or me. I'm sad, I wish I could have done more - been a better sister.... I wish I could have gotten through to him. I wish he could have trusted me. And I'm relieved for him.. he is freed from his suffering. I know that. Also Olivia being born, our little preemie baby has pulled out of ICU and is a little chunker now!

I am now 40 and feel ok about it? Not too many other milestones this past year regarding my family. More just personal heartbreak for me that I thought would eventually become my family and I think it’s made me more pessimistic about relationships and family.

My husband surprised me by painting our house while I was away.

My parents diamond wedding. It was nice but it hurts I’ll never have one. I wanted to fairytale

My mother died and I feel much more free now.

Pete died. That’s seems to be the answer to every question. The only answer I have. He’s not there - every meal, every bedtime, every morning newspaper, every trip to the grocery store when I try to think of something to prepare for one person. I wear his socks. His wedding ring. Every conversation I think what Pete would say or ask. I try not to say that out loud except with the kids. They get where my head is. We all wonder if that will ever be different.

It is hard to think of anything specifically with my family. I think me moving back to California is probably the biggest thing for me as it relates to my family. My parents went to Greece for my dad's 75th. My nephew got his first job. My niece finished her first year of college and had her first internship. I think me moving back has not changed much yet for my broader family. Though I think it may have changed my relationship with my sister and brother in law a little bit because I lived with them for three months. I am not quite sure how it will change our relationship but I think I see how my sister and her husband are flawed and not dealing with deeper emotional issues, but I do think they are trying. However I don't see them being able to take the leap and overcome the fear of digging deeper. Then again, I have learned that you never know what people are going through, even if you think you do. I can attest to that first hand. So maybe I can give them a little more grace.

There have been no major milestones. Just a constant drip, drip of issues coming up and being dealt with. The effect has been more downs than ups and a residual feeling of uncertainty

My older son, who moved back to our area about a year and a half ago, started working for NY State about 6 months ago. He had not worked for the prior 5 years, so this has been a great relief to me and my husband, as we were quite worried about his future. Now, we just hope he sticks with it!

Our daughter married and amazing dude. Her grandmother was able to attend. Just an epic weekend.

My son left for university, and I am very happy for him, I feel that he is finding his way, and he will ultimately be happy. I miss him with all of my heart but know that this is the path that needs to take, and I am proud of the young man he has become.

My grandmother was just moved into a nursing home yesterday after a long search for a place that would take her - she has Lewy Body disease and a lot of homes apparently won't take folks with it. Her decline over the past few years due to the dementia has been so hard to watch and I've been slowly grieving the loss of the person she was. I'm glad she's going to be in a home with a memory care unit and that my aunt will no longer bear the burden of mostly sole caretaking, but it's hard regardless and I feel so sad and depressed.

My kids are in high school and middle school. Growing up so fast

My son and I have been doing comedy improv classes together. This has really brought us closer together

I am very proud of children and grand children for what they have accomplished.

I sent Amari to Denmark to visit relatives. It was the first time they'd traveled out of the country since 2015 and the first time since transitioning from Isaac to Amari. I wanted her to have a valid passport and a connection to family outside of the country in case she needs to flee. The current political environment makes it dangerous for transgender people.

My mother finally set aside her pride and has allowed me to help her. She is 85 and almost totally blind and deaf. The beauty of this is that she has mentioned my kindness and how much it means to her.

A major milestone for me was landing my dream job. It affected me by significantly increasing my level of happiness!

My half-brothers got their BA degrees!

Just reconnecting with my brother Martin, in Berlin. Was nice!

My mother in-law passed away after a brief stay in care. My mother has moved into long term care. This new arrangement has taken some weight off of my siblings and my shoulders. It has me thinking about how I will live as I age. It's never too late to make improvements. My mom is content and looks healthier than before the move.

I found out my niece was pregnant. My son and daughter in law have chosen not to have children. My mother once again brought up the issue that my kids aren't having children and what a shame it is causing undo pain. She never stops

hmm, I wouldn't say it's been a particularly big "milestone" year for my family. A lot happened with my closest friends—lots of babies and moving. In my own life I began my therapy practice, got my first few private pay clients—was paid for my therapy work for the first time. I also graduated form grad school and fully paid off my tuition!

My youngest son graduated high school. This was the first September since 2003 that there was no “back to school”. He managed to get through his senior year with so much grace after the sudden death of his father in November. It also came on the heels of me losing reelection to the town commission. I feel free to disconnect from this town that we’ve lived in for 23 years. It’s a major time of transition. And I feel equipped to thrive in any situation that presents itself next.

My youngest went to college. This is turning out so beautifully. He's the baby and at different points in his life, the more vulnerable one seemingly. However, he is really owning this moment and flying. I miss him when I can't connect for several days at a time, but I don't obsess about him or try to control from afar. I'm almost surprised at how much I trust him. I think I also really trust his love for me, which means I don't chase it as much. Our oldest also had success in school and that has evolved into different things. Right now it is less academic and more social, which is actually something we really wished/prayed for him. But I'm always surprised when he says he loves me out loud. Of course I hold onto each one of those murmurings and they sustain me until the next. But I am overjoyed that both boys seem to be thriving even though they continue to question their place in the world, as they should. This is the time to start that...I'm proud that we gave them roots and wings.

Oldest on semester at sea and she has been thriving more socially - youngest over the summer balance two jobs and earned an A in a college class I’ve been actively working on my travel business and it keeps growing. I’ve added focus on luxury cruises like Atlas and Quark, while keeping my strong personal branding and charitable ties with meals on wheels. I hosted an around the world party and it was fun I’ve been managing my claustrophobia with therapy and coping strategies and am at 99.8% I stopped drinking. It’s been 75 days. I’ve added creativity to my life with art and music, rock painting, concerts like Ani DiFranco and making glass art all of which was in the past 30 days

Oh boy, this one is a hard one. My mom passed away this year, and it affected me so profoundly. I thought I had prepared myself for her passing because she had a couple of close calls before and was ill.. However, it actually happening really blew my world apart. The way she was at the hospital after they restarted her heart and seeing that she was already gone to her actual passing has left a gaping hole. We think we are prepared but we never are. If I could go back, I would give her another extra tight hug, keep her on the phone for some extra time, and ask her questions which I never was brave enough to do. My life feels incomplete without her.

The only major milestone that happened with my family this past year is my brother for the first time came to visit me and we went to the rodeo. Nice to have family visit but let's not do this too often.

My mother passed away and I retired early. These changes have affected me significantly. Lots of sadness and transitions.

My son got engaged, for the second time (the first relationship ended before the wedding). I’ve never seen him happier. The woman he is engaged to is lovely, as is her family. None of our family liked the first fiancée, so it is a relief that he is in a healthy relationship this time around. The only negative is that he will be moving to another country to be with her. I worry that the distance will make it difficult to maintain our relationship.

Second niece, I got engaged, very exciting stuff

Well, it's not a milestone but a repetition of a complete and utter disregard for my husband's health and sanity. He tried once again to lighten his workload (this time I did not attend the meeting myself) He worked himself up into a lather preparing for the meeting, what to say, how to say it, how to make it sound palatable to the bros. And then, because other things happened at the same time (A*H*) Or because he did not have the confidence to speak with authority Or because they literally don't give a shit and (as I surmise) will bleed him til he dies and then bill me for the ambulance to pick him up Nothing happened. So yeah. I guess the milestone, still not a milestone but an acknowledgment, is I refuse to bow. The man does not see it. But I have a laundry list of how much they have disrespected him and us. So the milestone is my realization that it truly does not matter if I bow. They're not actually looking at me at all. I am beneath them, and I do not, I will not, revere them as gods, even though he does. (p.s. all this confirmed by seating last night at 2nd RH seder)

Family is a weird thing for me. My main concern in the last year has been my internal family, which I'm just learning about through IFS. The next click out is me and my cats, my domestic family. We're doing really well. My nuclear family has been disappointing, but I'm proud of how we've come together around my mom's recent illness and the changes in my brother Rikk's marriage. How it all affects me is too much. I want to get to the point where I own my own life and am a bit less porous.

Het heeft me diep geraakt, hoge toppen van vreugde en diepe, diepe dalen van verdriet. Het heeft gelukkig ook meer onderlinge verbondenheid gegeven.

This might seem small for a "milestone" but it means so much to me. My mom visited me a few weeks ago and it was the first time that I really enjoyed her visit. We had a very difficult relationship when I was still a kid and it barely became better when I moved out. This time we didn't fight, we had fun, laughed together and I felt cared for. Since then I'm feeling way more connected to her and I'm so grateful for that!

At long last we are ready to move to a retirement community. It is a big commitment and it will be our LAST house, but we are getting ready. Now for purging our current home and putting in bids.

New promotion for both of my parents

My daughter really started puberty this year. The signs had been there, but she started fifth grade looking like a kid and one year later she looks like a woman. Suddenly, she's so beautiful, in this new grown up way. She's coming into herself so quickly. She's shed her leggings and t-shirts and is now cultivating a new image, like a college kid: wide leg jeans and cardigans, an adult-looking backpack. I think I used to feel like she was more like my husband, but I see more and more how much alike we are and how she is figuring out who she is in relation to me. She is such a delightful 11-year-old and it is so moving to watch her change.

I got married last fall. To have someone to share life with has opened so many doors. I feel free to myself truly. However, not having my Papa there tampered the day. I still feel chained to the grief despite immense joy. It’s been three years since we lost him and I still struggle to celebrate our family unaffected.

No real milestones that I can think of. Just me counting down to retirement, and that has given me something to live for. I just hope the fuhrer doesn't get us all bombed out before then so I can actually escape from here.

Both my dsughter's husband (age 52) and my husband (age 76) have been diagnosed with Alzheimers. We live four hours apart and travel has become almost impossible for both of us. She is the primary caregiver and is homeschooling her 12 year old daughter. I am managing my husbands health and trying to manage my own health. I had reason to suspect my husband would develop dementia based on family history. She never saw this coming. I can't find a way to help her. It makes me unberably sad. She didn't

A major family milestone this year was more sad than anything - as our 3 senior cats all passed away between late December and early July. Our oldest cat, who was almost 17 yrs old - had been through so much with us, and himself - that losing him was a defining moment for our family.

We finally got a diagnosis for my kid. It's really helpful to have a name for what's wrong, and possible treatment options.

I became a Savta? Sarah having Joni is amazing. I still can’t believe that they named her so closely after my Mom! While I knew I would love this little girl, what I had not anticipated was how amazing it is to see my daughter as a mother! She is such a sweet, caring, and attuned Mommy. It fills my ❤️

My partner and I adopted our wonderful doggy Xena. We had lost our precious Macadamia in March 2024, then adopted a dog in June that unfortunately we had to rehome with another person because he wouldn't stop biting me. That was so challenging, but we found a goo home for him where he is much happier. And then kismet brought Xena to us - she is such a joy!

I turned 60 in April. It seems very surreal... Now I can claim senior benefits in some places. That is even more surreal because I do not feel like a "senior". However, I am now thinking more than ever about how I want to spend the years that are left; they need to be meaningful!

Accident...yet again and didnt go to the beach. Keep talking about the accident so will try to move on. As far as the beach, yeah it sucks but really missed Sarah and the girls and really understand that I have to take certain negative things to go along with the positive things.

Susan turned 80. We siblings met in Portland at Dana and Mishas house, which they generously rented out to us. The gathering was all love. Susan wears 80 well, youthful in heart and curiosity. Dj is frail with alcohol-induced brain lesion, but happy. Chris now on the other side of cancer treatment. Michael (and Karen with him) going through a year of transformation and reckoning, fruitful. Jenny happy Livi and Sean are in Portland. Me finding ground in my new home after 2 years of Joe being gone. My heart is full of gratitude, remarkably blessed to have these brothers and sisters. I do not take this harmony for granted, and know any moment one of us may be gone.

A great grandson was born.

We lost our 16-year-old cat. It has been very hard on us.

Sad milestone -- many friends dying. We're at that age where this will happen more and more. Happy milestone -- spending a month in New Zealand. I particularly appreciated learning from the Maori people and learning from our friends better ways to live more simply and in harmony with the Earth.

This year has been the worst year for me and my family, we fell apart badly and I feel like they have a secret animosity towards me

Don’t have one bud

Grandma died, then my childhood friend died, and 11 months later my cousin killed himself. I wouldn't call it a milestone but it changes us in ways I can't begin to understand. The loss on top of loss, on top of everything else just broke me and I no longer see the value in my career or waiting for anything. I want to drastically change my life and not be so careful about the future. I want to just SEND IT.

My brother, John, the oldest of us. Passing way suddenly just days before his birthday. I am still not sure how to grieve this as it happened amid other deaths and major disappointments. And sadly, it also resulted in a complete anger and actual rejection by one of his daughters, whom I am very close to. … errr. WAS close to. That has broken my heart in more ways than she will ever know. Shalom

Norma's death makes me very sad. Don's life does as well. My bday celebration with the kids was magical and has made me aware that I'm not simply lucky... I'm also deserving.

Got my RBT certification completed that I started working on earlier this year. I passed both parts to the exam for certification. Made me very happy and excited to begin a new journey on something I really enjoy doing helping kids with disabilities.

Our biggest gaming milestone was our move. We are still in the midst of adjusting but all signs are pointing to yes. I know our family will ultimately feel like this was the right move for us.

My 70th birthday, just happened. I’m letting go of everything I no longer need, want, whatever doesn’t serve. It’s a slow process so far. I desire to be complete by the spring equinox. They have a no carry ons policy on Air One. (The only carrier that serves those moving off planet;)

In the last year I have gotten to have 1:1 conversations with both of my parents. With my father, I was escorted out of my childhood home after telling him I wasn’t interested in living by the restrictions put on him or myself by the dangerous organization I grew up in (Jehovah Witnesses). It was eye opening to feel so bold and free within that choice. Within our shared time together, he put his hands on me over a dozen times. A grown ass man who I hadn’t seen 1:1 in well over a decade, chose to hit me. Super casually, not aggressively. It was in conversation, to emphasize a point. Zero chill. No thank you. No more. My mother and I had coffee in a public place for the first time in well over a decade. Now THAT was wild. I saw her as a human being, as a wife, as a mother. I gave her grace, I gave her easy communication. She gave me the same, in the ways she knows how. I feel much more complete in that relationship than I ever have in the past.

Mom fell, then had a bunch of health stuff happen, and I have been her caregiver. It has been challenging and stressful and exhausting, but also it has been a great chance to connect with her, and I feel so lucky to get to take care of her.

We got to celebrate our granddaughter's 1st birthday at our new house, creating a bit of a housewarming. It was our first gathering at the house, a couple of months after we moved in. It was wonderful to meet and re-meet our daughter's friends.

My partner and I have decided to move in together in the next year. It has given me a whole new outlook on how my future is going to be with him and I am exhilarated for the future.

My son's death. I am still grieving, it hasn't been a year. I'm exhausted all the time. But there is still pleasure and joy - a day at the beach, a call from my grandchildren.

Both my parents turned 80 in 2025. They are starting to give things away. They are starting to be less independent, less the people that is the foundation that I lean on. I am becoming the nurturer, protector, provider. I’m okay with that, but it’s a reminder that time does not stand still. The moments go by and don’t come back. It’s only forward, so notice the moments before they are in the rear view mirror.

I moved away for uni. It felt like I was the only one taking this seriously sometimes. Sometimes it felt like Mamma was putting way more stress on it than needed. Pappa was in denial or having weird mood swings about it. Moving away from home is a good thing because I can finally have peace when I need to and decide whenever I want to do things. I miss my family everyday and I can't wait to see them again.

M is dealing with the possibility of open-heart surgery. This has brought up a lot of emotions for me. Seeing her be vulnerable is incredibly odd and scary and off-putting. I don't know my role. I don't want to think about mortality. There is a deep sadness and primal fear here.

Fortunately there haven’t been any major milestones in our family. We’re seniors who retired several years ago, don’t have children, and are contented with the life we lead. In our neighborhood major milestones involve either an ambulance or a a coroner. Don’t know if this counts, but I’ve noticed we’re in life’s sweet spot. Each passing day is significant, offering opportunities to enjoy things once taken for granted. While somewhat frightened by the growing tumult, and angered by the cowardice of those entrusted with the commonweal, life has taught us that all things will pass. For this moment, we’re healthy, content, and safe. God willing, I’ll be able to say the same at this time next year.

My cousin had a kid and got married. It didn't really impact me but it is weird to see the younger ones growing up and becoming actual adults.

Tandy and Tim bought a new house! She was just appointed for the Professional Standards committee of Southwest. Kids are BRILLANT. I filed a lawsuit against AZ/Apex after they violated several CA labor laws - don't know if that's considered a "milestone". Other than that, it was a pretty dull/uneventful year!

This past year, I've got to spend more time, and more time alone with my grandchildren. It has been really nice and I've enjoyed immensely their feedback. As I have written in previous years, the role of grandmother is really something I wish to fulfill in this part of my life, and it makes me feel really well, useful and also appreciated to be able to contribute to my daughter's young family.

My father passed away. I am still adjusting to life without him.

Wow. I think about deaths. This year-none-but in the last few-3 and they haunt me alittle. Of course Michael’s death continues to plague me. Daily. I think about Rich, my dad and Michael daily. Maybe the milestone for my family is time-healing from these losses. It has affected us greatly- we have always been close-but now we share even more-there is a current of sadness unspoken that we all have. It’s okay.

Oren started school this year! Time truly is flying by so quickly, it's incredible. It's like I blinked and all of a sudden I don't have a baby anymore. He's really developing as his own person. He communicates so well now and is actually funny! He's doing this new thing where he says "I'm not Oren, I'm Chase" because he is pretending to be part of the paw patrol. It's actually started to get on my nerves a bit but I know that just like the baby times these days are going to fly by and I need to cherish every one of them. Seeing a little glimpse of how he sees the world motivates me to be the best dad that I can be for him. I want to prepare him for this world and support him so he can be the best person he can be.

Luckily, again, there have been no major events with my immediate family. I’m grateful for that. It’s a bit of a milestone that I am now involved in my partner‘s family. I am developing very deep and deepening bonds with him and his twin nine-year-olds. I’ve been moved and softened by the love they have for me. If I’m honest, I’m often surprised at how they love me. Also, we had one unsuccessful attempt at IVF conception to create our own baby together. I don’t know if it qualifies as a milestone, but definitely a significant event. We currently have two blast doses awaiting there, genetic testing results. I find myself anmazed and so incredibly grateful that I’m able to reach for my dreams in this way. And to be honest about what I want.

Our cat died. This devastated my spouse. It's been nearly 6 months, and she's still profoundly grieving. She wants another cat so much. I do not. Part of the reason is the kitty litter and such, but a bigger part of it is that her grief was and is so huge, so suffocating, so oppressive. On top of her depression and physical pain, I felt like I was drowning. How do you say that to a person grieving? Her feelings are real and valid, and I don't have more support and care to offer. I was already tapped out with the empathy and care and support that I provide to her. I think regularly about what will happen when my Mom dies or our dog, and I rarely think about how I will tend to my own grief because I worry that her grief will take up all the space, consume every bit of oxygen in the room, and leave no room for me to feel and grieve.

My sister sold their place & they moved into our childhood cottage. This will be 1/2yr there 1/2yr in Europe. I'm excited for their new phase!!

My husband is dying, early onset cancer. The unlucky draw of genetics. I'll be widowed at 40 after a short 3 to 4 years with the love of my life, the most easy and warm and tender home I found. It has made me question myself, whether I'm a good person or not, I came to the conclusion no. I feel it's karma.

My wife got back to working part time after 10 years of recovery from a car wreck and brain tumor. It's been amazing seeing her success, but painful watching her struggle with what used to be so easy for her.

This year, we started pursuing IVF for the first time, basically we had not thought about having kids before this year. That has changed so much of my future already, and the future also feels so uncertain even as we try to forge a family together. At this point, because of my infertility, there is no guarantee that we will ever have kids. Would we still want to foster or adopt? I think I never gave myself the space to consider whether or not I wanted kids, and then suddenly because of the political uncertainty it felt urgent to answer... and the truth is, it's an adventure I want for myself, it's work that I want for myself, it's a part of the human experience I want to experience. It feels a lot like when I decided to transition. We have only sort of a vague, blurry outline of a dream. Every step towards it feels so challenging and like a step into the unknown, but there's also this rooted confidence that this is the direction I want to be walking towards.

Still mums house being sold. The amount of stress under normal circumstances is awful, but this has been dragged out by our hateful neighbours saying they would buy the house but never actually sorting out their mortgage. Having to watch my mum deal with that while we dealt with imminent homelessness for months on end was horrific.