When love is at its best, one loves so much that he cannot forget. Helen Hunt Jackson
New Years Eve Toast 2013. Photo Credit: Carline Jean Sun-Sentinel
Last week during the Christmas holiday, we took a drive down memory lane and visited all the beautiful lights on Ocean Drive in Palm Beach and Broward County. The outpouring of support from those two blog post is most appreciate.
As we move into the New Year, I do not want to forget about 2014, but I do want to wash it away. Healing and grieving is different for everyone who has gone through the loss of a loved one. Grieving would not be hard if love was not involved. Healing would be next to impossible without family and friends like you!
This year, I have decided not to make any new year resolutions, but rather to make some new year commitments. In 2015, I will commit to taking better care of myself, including my physical, emotional, spiritual and financial self. There is no secret weapon or path to accomplish this; taking better care of myself is something that is important to my healing process. Caregivers understand that the last person who gets care, is the Caregiver. Now, it is time for me to embark on a new caregiving role; caring for myself.
In 2015, I will continue to advocate for Caregivers and their Caree’s through my new radio show, Healing Ties
on Health Cafe Life.com and iHeart Radio. Our 
show on iHeart is listed under the Health section and there are already 10 shows up for you to listen to by simply clicking here! (Listen in and be sure to click on the heart!) I will keep blogging on ‘The Purple Jacket’ as this spot is reserved for TLO and all of our friends and followers who have been supportive over 
the years. Early in 2015, I will introduce a new website, Healing Ties which will feature information about the radio show while introducing you to the Whole Care Network. The new site is still in the development process, but you can take a quick look at the new website by clicking here! Your feedback and opinion on the new website is most appreciated! Our new website will highlight the Whole Care Network which will be a bevy of referrals and references to help you create Healing Ties in your life and in your community.
There are three eBooks in the works and one major book, about our caregiving story, ‘In Sickness and In Health: A Couple’s Final Journey’ is in the works, too. 
Early in 2015 you’ll see posting about group cruises for Caregivers, especially for those Caregivers who have lost a spouse or a partner. It is time for us to come together in celebration, in care, in commitment and in love, to support and be there for each other. There are some other exciting opportunities that are presenting themselves as we move forward in 2015, I will be sure to keep you in the loop! It is going to be a busy year with workshops and presentations across the country: remember I am making a new year commitment, not a new year resolution!
I do not have any fancy words or sage advice today, that’s never been our style here on The Purple Jacket; I simply write from the aspect of love, care and commitment which seems to fit just fine. As I wash away 2014, I toast you, and thank you for being with us on this journey. One thing this past year has taught me is to live in the moment: Funny TLO used to tell me that all the time! So as we bring in the new year, I am thankful for the love that we shared, thankful for the life with TLO, and ready and willing to move forward, just as he wanted me to do.
“I love the photo that includes your rear view mirror – you brought your past into the present last night.” Denise Brown from Aftergiving.com
I leave you with this wonderful quote brought to you by my good friend, Denise Brown from Caregiving.com and Aftergiving.com ” I love the photo that includes your rear view mirror–you brought your past into the present last night.” I did not get the symbolism of this picture until Denise pointed it out to me, I am so thankful to Denise for her insight! Why? Because, I never want to forget about the past, yet life moves forward, not back. Love is what shapes us: Love will never be washed away!
Blessed and Happy New Year to you and your family!
The Purple Jacket 