Blogging, Food, Friendship, Gratitude, Reflection, Trying New Things

The Farewell Post

Retirement Reflections

When I last wrote on this blog, a little over a month ago, I promised I’d return mid-September for our monthly What’s On Your Bookshelf post. And that’s partially true. I’m back—but this time to say goodbye.

In early August, I took a break from blogging so my husband and I could fly to Hong Kong to be with our youngest son who was seriously injured in a bike accident while training for an IronMan competition. Thankfully, he is recovering well, and Richard and I are now back home. That time away gave me a chance to reflect and left me realizing that I’m ready for something new. Ready for what? I’m not quite sure. But I am open to the challenge.

Above all, I am grateful. I’m grateful that our son is recovering and that we have a strong family and friends to surround him as he continues to heal.

I am also grateful for all that nearly ten years of blogging have given me. When I began, I wasn’t sure what I was doing or why. I certainly never anticipated the deep and lasting friendships that would grow here, nor the challenges, adventures, and personal growth that would follow.

As I prepared to write this post, I reviewed my WordPress statistics and quickly realized that the numbers themselves are insignificant. What matters are the people behind them. I would like to thank each and every one of you. Whether you visited once, followed for years, left a comment, or reached out through my contact page, you made a difference. If we’ve become friends, know that your presence in my life has been a gift beyond measure, one that words cannot fully capture.

I plan to keep this site open until next summer while I review posts, decide which ones to keep, and how to keep them. If you have any ideas or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you.

This isn’t so much an ending as it is a turning of the page. If you would like to stay in touch, I invite you to reach out, and we can find a way to do that.

The linkups of What’s On Your Bookshelf, What’s Been on Your Calendar, and Wellness Reimagined will continue. You can access them monthly on Sue’s, Debbie’s, Jo’s, and Jen’s (Wellness Reimagined) sites.

With a full heart, I say thank you—for showing up, for reading, and for sharing. I remain forever grateful.

lessons learned
Last Week in Photos
zero

Pics of fellow bloggers I’ve been fortunate to meet up with over the years.

Unknown's avatar

Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

154 thoughts on “The Farewell Post”

  1. As the saying goes “ When one door closes another door opens”I wish you luck ,happiness as you go forward to the next adventure and hope your sons recovery will be full and complete x

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Carol – Thank you for your kind comment. Our son continues to improve each day, for which we are incredibly grateful. I’m not sure what lies ahead in terms of upcoming hobbies, but I am ready for the challenge (she says with confidence). ❤

      Like

      Reply

  3. I’m sure whatever comes next for you will bring as much joy and opportunities for growth, adventure and friendship as blogging has, my friend! I’m so glad we met through our blogs and can’t wait to see what you’ll be up to next 💕.

    Like

    Reply

  4. It has been fun reading your blogs and sharing my reading selections….enjoy turning the page and experiencing new avenues in our journey called life🥰

    Like

    Reply

  5. So sorry to hear about your son but glad he is recovering. Also sorry you are giving up the blog as I always enjoyed your posts. I had a feeling you were not as interested in it as you once were, so good to stop on a high!

    Like

    Reply

  6. it has been a pleasure to get to know you over the past 6 + years. I look forward to chatting virtual in the future and hopefully in person as well. IF enjoyed reading your blog appreciate you helping us stay connected.

    Like

    Reply

  9. Donna, your energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and writing brilliance have been an inspiration to all of us. Linda and I are truly looking forward to spending much more time with you and Richard, after we put all this moving “stuff” behind us.

    Like

    Reply

  10. Wishing your son on road to recovery and mobility. 11 yrs. ago I was in a cycling accident on bike path when another cyclist collided into me as a turned the corner. I did sustain a concussion which did mean disability medical leave from job for 5 months. Fortunately I have no memory of the collision, ambulance transport, wheeled in for MRI and in the end, my vision not affected. It was like the movies: I woke up in pain in ICU hospital ward and my late partner bending over me, jogging my memory with neurosurgeon. It was on New Year’s Day and 3 months after my father died.

    Life and our good health can be shorter than we can ever dream of. May you and your family be well and enjoy time together.

    Like

    Reply

  11. Hi Donna – I will miss your presence here in the blogosphere – your lovely comments, your friendship, your interesting posts, and so much more. I’m glad Creighton is recovering well after that horrible accident and that you could be there to support him. Life throws lots of challenges our way, and conquering each one is another step on the journey to living with gratitude and joy (and you are such a role model in that area).

    Onwards and upwards my friend and I’ll be keeping up with you when you post something new on FB. xx

    Like

    Reply

  14. Aw Donna I’m so sorry to hear about your son. It must have been a terrible time for you all. I do hope he continues to a full recovery. I will miss your insightful and thought provoking posts but can totally understand the draw to try something new.
    I am also considering closing my blog to focus on my creative writing. I Would love to know how you go about it and whether you are able to save posts anywhere.
    I would love to stay in touch somehow – I love seeing your trips around Vancouver Island and dream of getting back there one day. Xxx sending virtual hugs

    Like

    Reply

  15. I came late to your writings and enjoyed them hugely. Somehow felt a commonality right across the Pond. Am happy for your next steps but, very selfishly, am so sorry to see you go. Best to you of course and the very best for your son’s further recovery . . . be well, be happy 🙂 !

    Like

    Reply

  16. I’m thrilled we’ve connected in the blogosphere! I hope we can stay in touch. I’m so very sorry to hear about your son’s accident. Sending 🙏🙏🙏 for a complete and speedy recovery for him and your mama’s heart! 💖 I’ll miss your voice here but I know you’re doing the right thing. Take good care of yourself! 💖

    Like

    Reply

  17. I’ve enjoyed your blog over the years. Sorry to see you go, but understand and fully support your need for other directions. My best to you. Thank you! From Kitty in Nanoose Bay

    Like

    Reply

  19. I am so sorry to read this; firstly for what your son, and consequently you and your husband, are going through; and secondly that there will be no more blog posts from you.

    However, I will certainly stay in touch by e-mail.

    Wishing you well in your next stage of life.

    With love,

    Derrick XX

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Derrick. I have greatly enjoyed learning about you, Jackie, your family, your home, your garden, your area and I have loved having a virtual seat at your dinner table. I received your Contact Me message and look forward to staying in touch.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you for the memory jog! I don’t think I was serious about starting a blog in my retirement when I was still at WAB but…maybe I was more serious than I realized. It’s been an incredible adventure and I have enjoyed it immensely! Thank you for keeping in touch. ❤

      Like

      Reply

  22. Sorry to hear this, even if I haven’t been a frequent commenter I’ve always enjoyed your posts. But whatever you feel is right for you, and I wish you the best in life going forward.

    I’m also sorry to hear about your son’s bike accident. That must have been terrifying for you. So glad to hear he is recovering well.

    Like

    Reply

  23. I am so lad to hear your son is recovering well! That must have been so scary for you all. Wishing you all the best in whatever you end up pursuing next!

    Like

    Reply

  24. Donna,

    I read your announcement on FB last night and it stirred some emotions in me. Thankfully, I had a glass of wine in hand to help soften the blow. We both began this endeavor at about the same time and you were the first person outside of my circle of friends and family to send me a comment. Over the years, I’ve come to think of you as a friend I never met. I hope we can change that some day. Best wishes going forward. You are a talented and energetic person, and I know you will not let those talents and that energy sit idle. All the best! Joe

    Like

    Reply

  26. I’m sorry to see you go but wish you well on your journey. When I read your last email, I was hoping it wasn’t something bad (or fatal!) and I’m glad your son is recovering. I live on the east coast but have always enjoyed the stories of your “west coast” blogger friends. I also loved the surprise visit of Bowser in your pictures! Hugs!

    Like

    Reply

  27. I am very sorry you are leaving! How I have enjoyed getting to know you and the beautiful place you call home. But, I understand that sometimes it is necessary to close the book on a certain aspect of life. I have done so myself. Hope we can still stay in touch somehow.

    Like

    Reply

  28. Oh, Donna, the end of an era! I’ve enjoyed your posts, creative challenges and your support of my blog all these years. I’m glad your son is healing and mostly that you could be there for him. You’ve shared many life milestones with us and your journeys along the caminos will be long remembered by me.

    I was happy to meet you in person all those years ago, and I continue to think of you as my closest Canadian friend. Please enjoy your wonderful life doing what you love. ❤️

    Like

    Reply

  29. Hi Donna, there is a season for everything. I’ve sensed your waning interest for a while (although your content hasn’t suffered), and I fully understand. I hope the next chapter is joyful and fulfilling. I have no doubt something wonderful is in store for you.

    I wish your son a full recovery, both body and spirit. There is nothing more horrific for a Mother to face than a child in distress. May your wounds heal as well.

    Do keep in touch. Blessings.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  31. WOW! I never expected you to stop.

    Our friendship goes back to July 1998 and the South-West Affiliate Summit for NMSA in Lake Tahoe. WOW! Look at all the things that have happened in that time!!

    I hope we can keep in touch. I have loved following your adventures “all over the world” since that time. I have learned so much!

    Praises that your son is getting well! Best wishes for all the new adventures.

    Let’s keep in touch. Rebecca

    Like

    Reply

  32. I’m so glad your son will be OK. Probably not in time to do the Ironman, though? Anyway, I am sorry to see you go even though I never got over here enough. But I wish you well on your next adventure. I’m sure it will be fabulous!

    Like

    Reply

  33. You’re another in a list of cherished bloggers I have said goodbye to the last year. Most like you have been at it a while. There must be an expiration date to this hobby we-all love! Enjoy your next steps. You will be remembered.

    Like

    Reply

  36. I didn’t come over here often enough. Life is so busy. But I’m sorry to see you go…and wish you all the best! I especially would like to say I’m glad your son is going to be OK, that’s the most important thing of all.

    Like

    Reply

  37. Best wishes for your son’s continued recovery. You were one of the first bloggers that I followed. You will be missed. My favorite blogs were ones from your camino walks. Always interesting and helpful. I hope you keep some of those up. Good luck in your next adventures, Tracey

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Tracey – I’m honoured that I was one of the first bloggers that you followed. I will definitely keep my Camino posts (my husband is already hounding me on which posts he wants to ensure I keep). Now I just need to find the best way to do that! Wishing you wonderful adventures ahead as well. ❤

      Like

      Reply

  38. I am so sad to read this… but not surprised that you’ve decided to open yourself up to new and different opportunities. Blogging takes a lot of time and attention which can sometimes (often?) get in the way of other life priorities. I am so grateful that this platform allowed us to meet and become friends and I am confident that our friendship will continue into the future. I am honored to be in many of your pictures (including as flat Janis☺️ ).

    Creighton’s accident was so scary and I am very happy that he is on the road to recovery. Life can through us curve balls at any time and incidents like that can be an important wake-up call to live our best lives… always.

    Hugs to you, my friend.

    Like

    Reply

  42. Hi Donna, I’m sad to read you’re leaving blogging. I have enjoyed your posts here and your thoughtful comments on my blog. I’m grateful that we’ve met via blogging and I’m honoured to be in your photo gallery. Thank you for being a wonderful friend on the blog and in real life! I wish you all the best in your next adventures. Do keep in touch.

    I also wish Creighton a full and speedy recovery. It must be so scary for you to receive the news and the flight to Hong Kong must have felt like it took forever. I’m glad to read he’s recovering well. Big hugs to you.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Natalie – Richard and I were incredibly lucky that we got the last Air Canada flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong before the strike happened. Sending big hugs back to you and wishing you wonderful travel ahead!

      Like

      Reply

  43. I’ve not been a follower for all that long, Donna, though I know our paths have sometimes crossed. It’s sad when a blogger moves on, but I applaud your decision to make changes. So glad your son is doing well. It must have been a nightmare. The best to you in the future and I hope our paths cross again xx

    Like

    Reply

  45. I’m beyond grateful that this blog led me to you. Who could know lasting friendships could be formed on line. Lets continue to cut the wheat from the chafe together.

    Like

    Reply

  46. I saw the word farewell on the blog title and thought uhoh another blogger leaves the sphere. But nothing remains the same forever and it is no good to persevere with someone when it doesn’t feel right anymore.

    I am sorry to hear of your son’s accident and glad to hear he is recovering. That must have been a shock and a catalyst for a new direction.

    I am glad we met over the blogosphere and that to made many solid friendships here, as the comments indicate.

    Blogging gives so much which is why I find it difficult to leave my blog even though I have no time to write on it very often.

    It is a good idea to review post and keep the ones you want. Is this because you are planning to compile them into a book?

    Good luck with your future journey and I hope our paths cross again. In case I give up my blog and you happen to, one day, visit Australia, you can reach me as Marnie Birch on social media/substack or online writing professionally if you need to get in contact.

    Warmly,

    Amanda

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for this uplifting and thoughtful comment. I definitely hope to make it to Australia again in the not too distant future. If I am able to make that happen, I will definitely look you up. Thank you for these contact details. ❤

      Like

      Reply

  47. Hi Donna – oh I shall miss you … but do quite understand … equally I’m so glad your son is improving – what a huge horrifying shock and worry. I’ll be back … I need to think and adjust my thoughts … but sent with thoughts to you and your family – you’ve had a rough time recently – equally you’ve opened our eyes to so much … take care – cheers for now – Hilary

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Hilary. I have learned so much from you and your thought-provoking posts. I make it a habit to never regret much, but I do regret that we did not meet up when you were out this way. I look forward to keeping in touch!

      Like

      Reply

  48. My goodness, that was a shock! I can’t remember how long ago we connected – many years – and I’ve watched your blog develop and grow until I thought you were “in with the bricks”, a definite fixture in the blogosphere. However, everyone’s needs change from time to time and I wish you well in your future ventures. My very best wishes also to your son for his recovery – this must be a really tough time for you all. Love and hugs.

    Like

    Reply

  49. I understand your reasoning and will miss your insights and stories, but I also know that when the time to end a blog comes it’s important to do what works for you. My best to you and your family. I wonder where your next 10 years will take you? Somewhere great, I’m sure. Take care, be happy.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  50. I will echo Eha Carr’s sentiment – very selfishly, I am so sorry to see you go. More importantly, I commiserate with you & Richard about Creighton’s accident. I can only imagine that it was a lesson in surrender as you journeyed on his road to recovery. These adult children do not spare us from chewing on our hearts. I have been a companion at your dinner table, book club & travels albeit vicariously. You have provided inspiration & motivation. Thank you. My very best wishes to you.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Ah, Mona – I have loved each and every one of your comments. And still (very selfishly) wish you would put your writing online – somewhere, anywhere! I am delighted that we were able to meet up in person and hope you will contact me if you are ever out this way again. Please keep in touch!

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment