New Year & New Beginnings
Happy New Year! My wish is for everyone to have a healthy and blessed 2023. I am above and beyond thrilled that 2022 is in the past. I also am thankful to be here after coming close to death twice. Big news: My groin will close in the next few days. It only measured 1 cm in length & .1 cm in depth. This is the last health update I intend to give. I have many people to thank for encouragement, card, plants, flowers & gift cards. Other people visited, called & texted to check on Terry & me.
My husband Terry has exceeded his wedding vows these last several months. My best friend of almost 58 years, Angie Comte-Wellman, was here for my first three surgeries and has called or texted me every day since. She was also in town for almost two months, and it was good to see her. I am grateful that Paula Bell sent texts nearly every day for three months.
Through IIBA, I received an excellent group card signed by people from every continent except Antarctica. That is quite humbling when you have almost the entire globe praying for you. My term as GCC Chair ended on 12-31-22, but I am finishing up a few projects that will be finished sometime this month. I led the team for 5 1/2 years; it was a privilege and one of the best parts of my career. The people I have met and my great friends are the best things about IIBA. My best moment in 2022 was when I was awarded the IIBA Lifetime achievement award and a lifetime membership.
I will enjoy more free time than before, and I have a lot of work to do on my business. I will be talking about that more in the upcoming weeks. I can’t mention everyone I am fond of through IIBA, or no one will read this blog. I am thankful for Delvin Fletcher and Keith Ellis, who supported the GCC initiatives. I worked closely with the following IIBA employees, who became more like family.
In the early years, Bren Stone, who is still with IIBA. The other ones who have become more like family than friends are Jared Gorai, Terri Lynn Rodrigues, and Koryn Anderson. Koryn succeeds me as GCC Chair, and I wish her all the success in the world. The other person is Danelkis Serra, who has only been here a few years but has quickly become a great friend. I am sure I will volunteer again with IIBA, but I am now cleaning my office, reviewing things for taxes, and planning my business strategy with Biaka works. Until next time, please keep your glass at least half-full.
