Cheers to Papa Fred 🍻

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” - Winnie the Pooh, from the works of A.A. Milne

I’ve been a little quiet around here (promise I finished fitmas and will share that at some point…but life threw us a curve ball and it’s been an unexpected kind of holiday season around here! That will teach me to set firm dates on any challenge - note to self: sustainable fitness is flexible!) 😆

One year ago, we (Justin, his brother Jeremy, and their parents Fred and Deanna) were all together in Orlando, celebrating my father in law, Fred, and his recent retirement from over 45 years of dentistry.

Fast forward a year and we all gathered together near Ann Arbor, Michigan to remember Fred’s life and work and say goodbyes with family and friends.

You’re never ready to say goodbye to a loved one, but it feels extra weighty during the holidays.

“Papa Fred” was a sweet, generous man, unfailingly kind, with a heart for serving others. I’m so lucky and grateful that after marrying Justin, nearly 18 years ago, he quickly became a father figure to me and accepted and treated me as one of his children, and that we got to share over 20 years of memories together.

Whether he was showing his boys how to be compassionate, emotionally intelligent men, or caring for their mother and his wife, Fred was a quiet, gentle, reassuring presence that will be missed. 💗

The past year, in his retirement, after I told him about it and sent him some information, he took up rucking, a pursuit that blends walking and strength training by hiking with a weighted backpack—combining his love of staying active outdoors (Papa Fred ran a marathon years ago!) with his enthusiasm for connecting with neighbors and offering a helping hand - so many community members commented on seeing him on his walks, and the interactions and conversations they shared. 🥰

He was so proud to send us his steps and stats as he got stronger! I am honored to have inherited his rucking gear and intend to keep the habit going. 🚶‍♀️🎒

Another thing I’m happy to have inherited from Fred and now find extra meaning in is my newfound sober curiosity! I happened to notice while checking the calendar that my “sober curious” journey began on October 5, his birthday! Fred was sober for over 30 years and I am excited to carry that on, however that looks in different seasons of life, in his honor. 🥳

Saturday marked 3 months with zero alcohol for me, and while I’m not sure I’ll always fully abstain (see above for how inflexibility is rarely a recipe for sustainability), for now, at least, staying curious and abstaining is feeling good and supporting my goals and wellbeing! 💪

Whatever the road ahead, I hope to walk it with an open mind and heart, able to tap into what makes me feel most connected and whole in each moment as it comes.

So, cheers (with nonalcoholic beers, of course), to that milestone and to a wonderful man and father figure I am happy to have known and will continue to celebrate! 🍻