2021 Kroft Christmas Letter
How’s your heart? I recently came across a 2-page response I had written to that question back in 2014. Then just last week, I heard the question again ~ at yoga. I took it as a sign from the universe because there are no coincidences, So, I prepared to write this holiday letter by asking myself again: How is my heart?
In 2021, my heart was quiet, reflective. We’ve established that a holiday letter is typically a glimpse at the bright spots of the year. And I believe we agree that that isn’t real life. My heart has had many ups & downs this year. If I’m honest, it’s a little down more than I’d like. But there’s always tomorrow, and it’ll probably be a little more up. 😊
In January, Rachel & I went on a silent retreat. YES. I can be quiet for an entire weekend! We meditated, walked, sat, ate, & meditated some more. ALL IN SILENCE. It was grounding & inspiring. I still had a physical space to teach in (at Balance), so I taught 4 classes a week. It felt somewhat normal - even though we wore masks and maintained 6’ distance from mat to mat. My heart was healing. In late July, the studio officially closed.
Everyone was fully vaccinated by the end of March. Jake moved out and into a half of a house with Rachel. My heart was nervous! The two of them are working hard & learning a lot about each other. They are close to home, and both visit often. My heart is proud. Rachel secured her own studio space, which is within walking distance to her new place. Jake works full time as a server at Country Club of Rochester. Holly is immersed in her nursing program and started clinicals in October. Justin continues to be supportive and the two of them are on a solid path. Covid hasn’t slowed his work schedule, yet he always finds time to help my projects. My heart is grateful.
In April, we desperately needed sunshine and chose to drive to Florida instead of flying. We made it leisurely and visited the Hollis’ in Wake Forest. In Florida, we stayed with Peg & Herb, saw Heather & the kids in Clearwater, the Womack’s in Tampa, and in Ft. Myers, the Infantino’s and my friend, Michelle. On the drive home, we stopped at Alice’s new digs in Charlotte. The driving was exhausting. My heart was tired. But what a gift to spend time with friends. It made it all worthwhile! Thank God for friendship.
We were blessed with an invitation to go to Italy in July/Aug to celebrate Rosie Madison’s 70th birthday. Her son, David, put the trip together with some of their other family members, and Michael & I were honored to be included. We didn’t hesitate to say yes. (more on that later.)
Summer arrived and we were relieved to be outside enjoying the sunshine, golf, yoga, hanging poolside, and celebrating togetherness. In that spirit, we spent Memorial Weekend at a lake house on Conesus with the fam. In June, I started my 8th year of teaching Sunset Yoga at the Lake. Michael played golf 2-3 times a week and he won the Webster Golf Club Senior Championship. His heart was beaming!
Since Jake missed out on the typical festivities one usually has when they turn 21, we surprised him for his 22nd at Flagg’s with a huge group of his closest friends. His heart was exploding! (He may never drink long island iced teas again)
In July, we noticed our friends, Korynn & Rosario, were short staffed at their restaurant. Michael had an idea. So, I offered. She accepted. You can now find me hostessing at La Bella Vita 2-3 nights a week. It’s a lovely, family-run, authentic Italian restaurant. My heart is fulfilled.
Back to Italy…our trip was like living in a postcard – Rome, the Piatza Navona, Sorrento & Positano, Capri, swimming in the Mediterranean & sipping Prosecco every afternoon! Brandon, Rhonda, Leroy & Jake have become family. Rosie, David & Ray already are. It was the perfect trip and we will definitely all travel together again – sooner than later! Our hearts were mesmerized.
I developed pain in my low back/hip and down my left leg. It was excruciating– especially when sitting. After eastern therapies were exhausted, western medicine led me to a neurosurgeon. But my heart was not stressed. Long story short: it’s a 6mm soft tissue mass (a fragmented herniated disc) impinging my L4 nerve root. It is self-correcting and will dissolve on its own over time. Happy I’m almost 100% pain-free. My heart (back & hip) is relieved!
The pain in my back was nothing compared to what we had to go through in late September. The whole family was pushed to their emotional limit. We had to put Henry down. It was the absolute worst thing I’ve ever experienced. Henry was our love and my boy’s best friend. Jake’s goal was for him to make his 10th birthday on 09/10. It was good to celebrate that milestone. The past decade, Henry (and Indy) has brought us so much joy! Our phenomenal vet, Dr. Tim Vleuten, from County Line Animal Hospital helped Henry cross over a two weeks later. Our hearts were broken wide open. Life is not the same without him. Michael and Jake miss him deeply. Thank God, Indiana seems to be adjusting without his brother. We are all grieving. My heart is profoundly sad.
During autumn, I’ve reflected on losses & learning. I spent my time fixing leaking pool filters, cleaning grout, rescuing diamonds in a sink drain traps, and learning how to acquiesce/share my favorite space, the kitchen. Learning new levels of patience and grace. My heart is quieter. I am rarely on social media. But I did connect with an amazing woman on Facebook, Lisa Brenner Marshall. She is chronicling her husband’s health journey and her role as a caregiver. She is so impressive and inspirational that I went to Connecticut to meet her. I feel like I’ve gained an ally/friend re: caregiving. My heart was gratified.
In this house, we’re all devoted Buffalo Bills fans. Jake & Holly know more about the players than I do. Football Sundays are loud and raucous! We play euchre, devour Buffalo chicken wing dip and cheer for our Bills! It’s fan-tastic! We saw 2 games at Highmark Stadium. Makes us wanna shout! #billieve
Our annual October trip to Hilton Head included the Hollis’ and this year, Heather drove up to complete the family, and now we have a new tradition! My heart is full!
Michael & I celebrated 25 years on October 19th. 25 YEARS! But my heart was confused because I didn’t know it was our 25th! So, no big, splashy celebration. Instead, it was a lovely, intimate dinner for two. Simple, quiet. Our hearts were satisfied.
The changing of the seasons has brought more challenges for Michael. Golf season is over. Colder, dreary, darker weather is not his friend. We are doing everything we can to figure out new ways & creative plans to help alleviate stress and anxiety: healthier eating, more exercise, mindfulness meditation, bright light therapy, positive self-talk, writing exercises, on-line classes and volunteering on Fridays. My heart is frustrated and stressed.
Thanksgiving was the best this year! We were blessed to have Sylvia, from Chicago, and Roger, from London, be here! My heart was ecstatic! Aaron & his girlfriend Leah joined us, and everything was so satisfying – the foods, the togetherness, the football! So fortunate to have such amazing friends become family. My heart is overflowing!
For 2022, we’ll keep moving forward. I’ve created a website where I can catalogue my favorite recipes, blog a little when the spirit moves me, and share some of my favorite photos! I call it Dishing at the Castle. Would love for you to visit the site, sign up/subscribe to my page, and share your feedback. THAT will make my heart very full & very happy!
Here’s the link: https://decagon-indigo-j3cm.squarespace.com/config/pages
(or just ask me to text it to you – I’ll change it eventually to something easier to remember. hah)
I’m also planning on teaching yoga (flow & restorative) here at the house starting in January. We’ve converted the basement into a yoga space, so if you’re interested, let me know!
Merry Christmas. Happy Hannukah. Joyous Kwanzaa. We send so much love. And all of our happy thoughts. May 2022 be healthier, kinder, quieter and more compassionate. Xo, h & m~
