Tom and I rang in 2022 on a holiday cruise through the Panama Canal, where we celebrated 25 years of marriage and got covid. Let me just say that being aboard a luxury cruise ship was the ideal location for both events. Fortunately, we didn’t come down with the virus until after Christmas, New Year’s, and our Anniversary. Tom tested positive first, and they moved him to a separate stateroom while I quarantined in our original suite. What followed was six days of quiet solitude with room service on the heels of a highly celebratory, romantic voyage. As I said: if I was going to get C-19, the timing couldn’t have been better. Coincidently, we were both double-vaxed and boosted, exhibited minimal symptoms, and recovered fairly quickly, although Tom’s chest still feels tight.

This year I also had major back surgery. In a whirlwind timeline from diagnosis of spondylolisthesis, severe stenosis and arthritis in May, to transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in late August, I’m grateful for the quick evolution from diagnosis to treatment and on to recovery. And I’m happy to report that at 4 months post-op, I am feeling and doing great!

And, of course, 2022 saw the publication of Goodbye Again. It’s still sometimes hard to believe I wrote a book, let alone found a publisher. Part of the process of getting my book out into the world included the publication of companion essays, multiple podcast appearances, and book tour events throughout Minnesota and Anchorage. There’s still more to come: in fact, another essay will be published within the first two weeks of January!

So where do I go from here?

Tom and I are sailing away on another cruise in late January 2023, this time to Chile, Antarctica, and Argentina. We’ve wanted to go to South America since our year-long bicycle trip back in 1995-1996. To say I’m excited would be an understatement.

On February 2nd, I’m participating in a virtual panel hosted by MN Adopts. Five social work professionals will join me in a conversation (book club style) about my memoir. This is specifically for professionals, and if you’re interested in attending, you can find registration information here. Then, on April 2nd, I’m moderating a panel discussion at the inaugural Untangling Our Roots Summit in Louisville, Kentucky March 30-April 1. This event will bring together people from the adoption, assisted reproduction, and NPE communities. I will finally meet people I’ve known solely online, IRL!

Although it will be a year or more until my back is fully fused, I am capable of going back to work this summer as an Interpretive Park Ranger at Denali National Park & Preserve. I look forward to again sharing the grandeur of this beautiful place with people from all over the world.

As for my author life, my plans include more podcast interviews and essay submissions, book club appearances, conferences, and developing an educational curriculum using my memoir as a case study. I’ve also been asked if there’s another book bubbling under the surface, and I’ve admitted there is, but for the time being, I will keep my attention focused on my memoir.

My word for 2023:

WONDER

I wish you all good health and an easeful transition into 2023.

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