Seasonal Reflections

@artist01
Merry Christmas to all my unseen friends at Mayo Connect!
I just received a post from mentor @naturegirl (?) Did I get that right? I hope so. And thank you so much for sharing it again!
I’ve just re-read that post of 2021 that I had written to volunteer mentor @loribmt at a time when I was battling Giant Cell Arteritis. I can attest to the fact that @loribmt is still a tower of strength for all of us lucky enough to be in contact with her online at Mayo Connect! The thoughts are still so relevant and I mean every word of it! However, I do need to make one important change to a quote that I had MISquoted and which jumped out at me today when I read it. It should read: “HOPE springs eternal within the human breast”, attributed to 18th century poet Alexander Pope.
My very best and warmest wishes to all for a happy and healthy 2026!
P.S. I won my battle against GCA and am 90 years young now, so never give up hope, good people!
You’ve got this!!!
Forever Hopeful,
Laurie

@artist01
Merry Christmas to all my unseen friends at Mayo Connect!
I just received a post from mentor @naturegirl (?) Did I get that right? I hope so. And thank you so much for sharing it again!
I’ve just re-read that post of 2021 that I had written to volunteer mentor @loribmt at a time when I was battling Giant Cell Arteritis. I can attest to the fact that @loribmt is still a tower of strength for all of us lucky enough to be in contact with her online at Mayo Connect! The thoughts are still so relevant and I mean every word of it! However, I do need to make one important change to a quote that I had MISquoted and which jumped out at me today when I read it. It should read: “HOPE springs eternal within the human breast”, attributed to 18th century poet Alexander Pope.
My very best and warmest wishes to all for a happy and healthy 2026!
P.S. I won my battle against GCA and am 90 years young now, so never give up hope, good people!
You’ve got this!!!
Forever Hopeful,
Laurie

@artist01 Laurie!!
It’s a holiday miracle! You’re back! 🥰 Needless to say, you’ve been missed here on Connect, though you and I haven’t personally lost touch. But I think it’s special you’ve popped back here…thanks to my friend and fellow mentor @naturegirl5 (Helen). Why didn’t I think of that! LOL

Talk about a pillar of strength and inspiration! You’ve had quite a past year with turning 90 AND getting your Bachelor of Fine Arts degree…at 89, while facing your own health issues!! I’m sorry you weren’t able to travel across country to attend the commencement ceremony in person! But it takes some real drive and determination to complete a degree that you started years ago but had to set aside because life got in the way. I’m proud of you, my friend and happy we’ve been able to share so many years together even though we’re great distances apart. We never give up! ☺️
Have a lovely holiday with your family! ❣️

@loribmt It’s Christmas Day, 2025! Never thought I’d make it this far!! Pillar of strength, inspiration, or just plain stubborn? lol
Thanks for your everlasting support, @loribmt! It has meant the world to me over the years.
My wish for you is that you continue on your journey to stable and superb health (you’ve been through so much!) and that 2026 is an awesome year for you, filled with love, happiness and peace. And that same wish goes out from me to all the brave Connect members too. Life can be tough sometimes but it’s always a precious gift.
Merry Christmas to you and your beloved family and to each and every one of our Connect family!
And Happy New Year too!!!
Forever hopeful,
Laurie