Well, this was quite a year, with some ups and lots of downs.
January
This year started out with some very sad news. I lost a friend and coworker, that I have known for 25 years. Bill was a really great guy. Always so positive and upbeat, with a smile on his face every day. Such a loss. He will be so missed. But now he is with the love of his life again. I miss you Bill and Pam every day.
During the first 2 years of our relationship, Dave and I went on hikes almost every weekend. We also did a ton of antiquing. But during the 3rd year, the pain has made it really difficult, and not fun.
So I spoke to my Dr about the pain I have been experiencing. I have been experiencing the pain in my lower back, hips, legs, and feet for the last year.
The Dr. suggested that I see a sports medicine specialist, who told me that it was muscles causing the pain.
They sent me to physical therapy. I went for 6 weeks and felt some improvement. I was trying to get ready and feel better for our planned vacation in April.
February
Nothing much happened this month to report.
March
My Sister, who has been battling melanoma for 7 years, had to go to the hospital for complications. She has been through so much.
April
My Sister came home from hospital. God give her strength.
Also, Dave and I went on a 10 day vacation to Florida. We visited some of my friends, that I haven’t seen in years. Dave met them for the first time. We had a lot of fun. It was great to get away. You can read more about it from an earlier post https://heleftnowwhatblog.com/2025/05/03/10-day-trip-to-florida-2025/
May
I had my 6th Annual Backyard Art show and Sale. For the 2nd year in a row, I had to move it from Sat to Sun, due to the rain. It was lots of work, but it was fun and I met a lot of new people.
Also, I lost my personal and business Facebook pages. They were hacked or hijacked. I tried a lot, but I can’t figure out how to get my pages back up and running. It’s so frustrating. I heard this is happening to people a lot. It’s nice to take a break from it. Sadly, I lost many great connections. I also lost a major way to promote my art and photography. I am still on Instagram if you are interested https://www.instagram.com/lynne.albright
June
I was at a bridal show for work. During the setup, I tripped over the rug in our booth. I went flying. My knee hit the cement floor, in the next booth over. I have never broken anything before. It hurt really bad! I put ice on it and sat in a chair and continued to help the brides. Later, after they wheeled me to my car, I was able to drive home, since it was my left knee. I picked up Dave and went straight to the ER, where they told me I broke my patella. It was not a full break, so I did not need surgery. They put my leg in an immobilizer, which I had to stay in for 6 weeks.
July
After wearing the immobilizer for 6 weeks, the knee was heeled and I started physical therapy for my knee. It was not easy, it was painful and I am not good with pain.
Dave and I had another trip planned. We went to see my sister, and her family, in Canada, and I didn’t want to cancel. I was walking with a walker at that point. I was able to go up and down stairs, with Dave’s help. I also rented a mobility scooter to get me around easier. The best money I ever spent. We did a little off-roading at this sunflower farm. It was so beautiful.
We all had a great visit.
August
My sister went back into hospital for tumor removal. A very scary time for her and her daughter.
September
9/5 Dave and I went to PA to visit my sister. She was still very weak from the surgery. It was difficult to see her suffering. Little did I know, that it would be the last time I would see her. I was so blessed that I got to spend this short time with my sister.
9/17 Sadly, my sister passed away. This was unexpected and so incredibly heartbreaking. She fought so hard for 7 years. But now now is at peace. RIP Tuffy, aka Stephanie. You be missed by everyone who loved you. https://www.huffandlakjer.com/obituary/stephanie-heart
9/18 Dave and I went back to PA to be with my family. It was very comforting to be with everyone. The arrangements were made and my sister’s service will be next month.
October
10/5 I re-injured my leg. I was standing in the bathroom, getting ready for the day. I reached down, with both hands, to pull my pants up. I lost balance. I caught myself from falling down, but the damage was done. The pain was so incredibly bad. I went to the orthopedic express clinic to get checked out. The x-ray showed nothing, but the pain told me something different. I had to stop physical therapy. This is a huge setback. I was also so scared that I couldn’t make it to my sisters service in 3 days.
Since I was able to get into the car for the clinic, despite the unbearable pain. I realized that I would be able to make it to my sister’s service. I also remembered that my mom had a wheelchair in her garage, that she didn’t need. This would make it possible for me to get around while I was in PA.
10/8, Dave and I went back to PA for my sister’s service. It was so incredibly sad, but also so beautiful. I had no idea how many people my sister touched throughout her life. So many people were there. They shared their stories of love and friendship they had for my sister. She was so blessed to have an amazing circle of people around her. She was so loved by so many. She will be loved and missed forever.
10/13 I saw my doctor and he ordered an MRI for my knee.
Also, I got a kidney stone, are we having fun yet????
November
11/7 Finally had the MRI for my knee. It showed a fracture in my tibia and a bruised bone. I need to get back to using the walker with caution and try and do some home exercises. PT continues to be on hold.
We had a nice Thanksgiving with family and friends. I hope you all did too.
December
I turned 60 this year!!! Happy Birthday to me. We did manage to go out to dinner, at The Coastguard House in Narraganset RI, which was really nice. Dave and I also just celebrated 4 years together! Happy Anniversary to the most special person in my life.
And then, the night of my birthday, at 2 am, I had another incident and hurt my knee AGAIN!!!
Ever since the accident in June, I have been using my desk chair, with wheels, to get around my house. I also use the walker as well. I was rolling back to the living room, because I was sleeping on the couch. I saw something that had fallen on the floor. I bent down to pick it up and I slipped off the chair. I was now on the floor. My knee really hurt. I couldn’t put any pressure on it, so back to rolling around the house again.
As of today, it’s been 2 weeks and the knee feels better. I am using the walker more and getting back to my exercises as well. I see the Dr again on Jan 12.
So here we are. I’m mourning my sister. I lost a friend. I can’t walk unassisted. I haven’t painted or picked up my camera in 7 months. I haven’t watched any dogs in 7 months.
I really miss my sister, my friend, my art, and my dog clients and their dogs.
I am really grateful that we got to travel twice this year, which was fun and great to get away.
I am extremely grateful for Dave for standing by me during all of this. He has been my rock. He has been cooking, cleaning, and doing the laundry. He takes me to doctor appointments. He picks up prescriptions. He has built me ramps to get up steps. I could not ask for anything else. I am the luckiest girl to have found such an amazing guy. Thank you for everything Dave. I love you.
Cheers to a better 2026. I wish anyone who is reading this happy holidays to you and your families. Enjoy your time with your family and friends.
He Left, Look at ME Now! 