4 Comments
User's avatar
Travel the Seven Seas's avatar

Jess,

I admire your resolve, resilience, and stamina! Considering the obstacles you've faced, your list of achievements in 2024 is unbelievable. Regarding permitting yourself to be a little "selfish" in the new year, I recommend a book titled "Adult Children of Emotional Immature Parents." I discovered this book only recently and wished I had read it in my twenties.

Like you, I suffered tremendous loss in 2024. I lost my father and then my father-in-law; both were complicated men. Then, on Christmas, a beautiful friend and his entire family died of carbon monoxide poisoning when they vacationed in NH. I still have a lot to process. Currently, I'm trying to raise awareness of the importance of a functional CO detector at every home. Please feel free to spread the word. A simple device could save lives.

Expand full comment
Jess Chermak's avatar

Great book!

So sorry to hear about your losses as well. CO detectors are critical, especially in the winter.

Expand full comment
Irena Smith's avatar

Happy (almost) 2025! Or at least a 2025 that doesn't suck! (Is that too much to ask?)

SO glad you're here on Substack and in my tribe. Your resilience, your ink-black humor, and your grace are a gift.

Expand full comment
Jenny Buyens's avatar

Jess, we celebrate your activity and your wit! Please be selective in 2025 so we still have you around in 2026. You do enough…you are enough. XO, J

Expand full comment