Some months don’t just pass—they stay with you.
November and December were filled with moments like that. Moments of recognition, connection, and quiet growth.
It started with the Day of the Caregiver.
A day to pause. To listen. To share. Stories were told, music filled the room, and for a while, everything slowed down. Not just the doing—but the feeling behind it. Being surrounded by people who understand, without needing many words… that stays with you.
Later that month, something different.
A filming day with Mezzo.
A camera following parts of my daily life. Ordinary moments, suddenly seen from the outside. Talking about caregiving, not just as something you do—but as something you live. It felt a bit surreal, but also meaningful. One story, among many, helping to show what caregiving really looks like.
And then, December brought music.
An evening at the MAX Proms—a full room, thousands of people, and a shared recognition of caregivers. Between the music, there were stories. Real ones. The kind that remind you why this role matters so much.
A few days later, a different kind of atmosphere.
The Trouw Kerstconcert in Grote Kerk Den Haag. Music, voices, and stories that went deeper. You could feel it in the room—how people carry each other through difficult times. How strength often comes quietly, through simply being there.
In between all of that, there were smaller but just as meaningful moments.
Supporting others. Standing beside people sharing their own stories. Seeing strong women step forward, speak up, and be recognised. Those connections… they matter more than you realise at first.
And then, a simple ending to the year.
A shared dinner. Familiar faces. Conversations that don’t need explaining. A moment to look back—not just at what was done, but at what was learned.
Because this year changed something.
Learning to let go.
To think differently.
To take care—not just of someone else, but also of myself.
Growth doesn’t always come in big steps.
Sometimes, it’s in the way you handle the everyday.
And now, looking ahead…
A new year, with new hopes. More independence. Better balance. Maybe even new steps forward, like a service dog. Not everything is certain—but the direction feels right.
And that’s enough.
Ending the year with gratitude… and quietly stepping into the next. 🤍
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