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Turning the Page

As Semisonic sings in their song Closing Time, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” Every year, December 31st brings with it the closing of the past year and the promise of a new beginning for the upcoming year. For me, it’s a day that brings a wide range of emotions; more so this year than ever before.

It is no secret that 2023 was an extremely difficult year for our family. From Connor’s illness kicking into overdrive, and too many hospital stays, to my uncle’s unexpected passing this summer, our emotions were tested often. Even with all of the trials and tribulations of the year, I refuse to look at 2023 as a year that was cloaked in darkness. The one thing that seems to help push me through the hard times is finding the good or a bright spot. Sometimes that is a whole lot easier said than done, but looking back on this past year, while a lot of dark times are painfully obvious, there were a whole lot of special happy moments too.

This year opened our eyes to just how big our ‘village’ is. Too many times we needed to reach out for help while we navigated unchartered territory. Our family and some very special friends leapt into action without blinking an eye. We got to watch our sweet little boy graduate from preschool. We spent a week at the beach with some of our favorite people – a trip we look forward to every year. We got to go on a second vacation with Jason's family and had the best time. Our three boys finally started school in the same building while our daughter began her second year in middle school. Jason pulled off the best surprise party to celebrate my 40th birthday. We had the honor and privilege of spending a weekend away watching our cousin get married to his perfect match. Perhaps the brightest spot and our proudest accomplishment of this year though, was establishing Connor Pensack Foundation. This foundation has helped us break into the world of fundraising and channel our nervous energy into something that can make a difference, not only for Connor, but for all of the kids who are treated at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

We participated in four fundraising events this year – Walk for Hope, Pajama Day, Virtual Toy Drive, and of course the Inaugural Connor Cup Golf Tournament hosted by our foundation. Collectively, with the help of our family, friends, and community, we donated a total of $23,665 to various departments at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia between April and December of 2023.

When I look back on 2023, those happy times and fundraising successes are what’s going to be at the forefront of my memories. That’s not to say I’ll completely forget the struggles. Without them I wouldn’t be who I am today. Each hardship teaches me a lesson, albeit sometimes a hard one, but those lessons help shape my mindset.

As we move into 2024 I honestly have no idea what to expect. Life teaches me time and time again that it’s completely and totally unpredictable. I’m throwing caution to the wind and am just going to continue to pray for health and happiness for my family and friends. I’ll take each day as it comes and do what I can to make the best of whatever is thrown my way.

I hope your new year is filled with good times that are extra bright and that the not so great ones are few and far between! Happy New Year!




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