As I sit down to write this column, I am just a couple of weeks away from my 52nd birthday. It’s hard to believe that just two years ago, I celebrated my 50th with a big bash thrown with the help of my dear friends. That night remains one of the most fun and memorable of my life, marking the beginning of a new period in life filled with hope and optimism.
Turning 50 felt like stepping into a significant new chapter, one brimming with promise. That year quickly took a turn, but I yet again began this year with the same spirit — hopeful and eager for what lies ahead. But life, again, threw a curveball. Just a few days ago I had to say goodbye to one of my beloved dogs, Zeus.
There’s a tender irony in this timing because my other dog is featured in this month’s cover story — Finn is a loyal companion who has been my constant source of comfort and strength and is an excellent travel buddy. As I shared in that story, he’s helped me navigate many challenges, and now he is helping me heal from the loss of his older brother, Zeus.
We adopted Zeus from a rescue shelter ten years ago, and he quickly became a part of our family with an unbreakable bond to my late husband, Michael. Zeus adored Michael — and when I say adored, I mean WORSHIPPED — and their connection makes Zeus’s passing a bit more profound. Losing Zeus feels like a moment of saying goodbye not just to a pet but to a major chapter of my life.
Yet, I am holding on to that spark of hope and optimism. Just as turning 50 marked a fresh start, navigating this loss feels like another pivotal moment — a chance to turn the page with love and grace. It’s about honoring the past while embracing the future, letting go without forgetting and continuing forward with resilience (ugh, I’m getting good at this).
Life’s new chapters don’t always begin as we expect and sometimes, they really test us. But they also bring opportunity — the chance to grow, to learn and to rediscover joy in new ways. (I’ve also been learning a lot about how to be intentional about seeking out joy, but I’ll save that for another time.)
So here I am, looking ahead with a heart full of gratitude for what’s been, and open to whatever comes next. To all of you reading this, I encourage you to face your own chapters with courage and hope. Keep moving forward, carrying love with you and remember that every ending opens the door to a new beginning.
— Kelly MacLeod
