1. What were the highlights or accomplishments of the past year?
The highlight of the past year was the Brian starting a YouTube channel in March. It came about when we were brain storming ways to raise funds to help out Justin during Emberley’s illness. We were watching a young guy walking around his city making videos and Brian thought, “I could do that!’ and so he did! It can be difficult coming up with a video at least once a week, but for the most part, it’s been fun and we’re looking forward to new adventures in the coming years.
I don’t know if I’d call it a highlight, but seeing Emberley out of the hospital more this past year has definitely been a blessing!
Attending church starting in spring when the mask mandates were lifted has been a highlight. Different from what we’re used to but we’re settling in and enjoying being there.
2. What were the major themes of the past year?
Emberley’s continued treatment for Leukemia has been the main theme.
The other constant has been the YouTube channel; coming up with places to go for a walk and trying out different ideas has been fun and challenging and definitely getting us out and about!
3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?
I can’t really think of anything I would consider a disappointment or a regret. Of course we would love to see Emberley completely healthy and not undergoing treatment, but we’re looking forward to her ringing that chemo bell after her last treatment, hopefully in June.
4. What was missing from the past year?
I read my answer from last year and decided, it works for this year too… I guess I’m missing just having a normal life, one where I don’t have a granddaughter with cancer.
5. What did you learn from the past year?
I guess the main thing would be that we’re never to old to try something new or make a huge life change.
If we spend too much time focused on the negative things in this world or in our personal lives, it just gets us down. It’s so much better to have a positive outlook and make changes that will improve our lives. Some of those changes are just getting out of our comfort zone and getting in front of a camera. Others are more significant, like letting go of some things from the past, deciding to go visit a church and finding that maybe it’s the right place for us.
