Reclaiming what we lost and making changes in 2021

We took steps toward normalcy in 2021, at last what might be new normals. But it was a year where we reclaimed much of what was lost in 2020, such as family time, office time, traveling – and even baseball!

Lots of transitions and events this year, all celebrated a little differently.

Caroline is still in college – but she transitioned from student to staff member!

Caroline Murray, M.Ed. showing off her office in the GVSU Student Center.

She graduated from Grand Valley State University in May with a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. Her thesis, about how resident assistants suffer from burnout as their jobs become increasingly difficult, earned marks of distinction.

She worked in the Student Life Office at GVSU planning activities and events – including a commencement unlike any other because of the pandemic. Graduates were scheduled to visit the fieldhouse throughout the day, walking across a stage for photos with the president while parents and guests walked in front. There were activities and photo spots set out across campus and tents for various class groups to gather and celebrate. It was different – and fun!

Caroline was quickly hired by Michigan State University – a Big 10 school with about 40,000 students -- to serve as a residence hall director. She oversees 36 resident assistants and several thousand students – all of them freshman, many living four-to-a-room, and adjusting to COVID-19 protocols. Needless to say, she had an eventful first semester. She lives in an apartment in Akers Hall in East Lansing, about an hour from Grand Rapids.

We were excited to learn MSU hosts the annual Michigan Llamafest, where you can visit the noble llamas, watch them perform exciting tricks and participate in costume competitions. We also discovered a drive-through animal park near Rockford where llamas come right up to - and inside - your car to share snacks.

Andrew also had a big transition, changing jobs. He’s still a social worker, but now works for the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan, located in Traverse City. He makes sure older residents get the care they need while still living independently. He’s worked with the elderly in prior roles, and enjoys helping them.

Aubrey and Andrew spent time with Poppy and Grandma before heading to Disney World.

He and Aubrey enjoyed their first full year in their home, with many projects and upgrades to keep them busy. Aubrey is a speech pathologist for Northwest Education Services, the region’s intermediate school district, helping students in a number of schools.

We traveled to Minneapolis to see the Twins at Target Field, a magnificent ballpark! Some of the city's attractions were still closed due to the pandemic. But Julie found a yarn store in the Mall of America, and we visited The University of Minnesota, dined in trendy brew pubs, and saw interesting and scary things on the light rail.

Dave and Julie also made it to Florida – twice! – and had many adventures.

We dodged alligators while kayaking with the nieces, and saw the “Replace-Mets” beat the Marlins in extra innings in Miami. We also got to see Mets ace Jacob deGrom take the mound in a rehab start in Jupiter and Noah Syndergaard throw an inning in St. Lucie. We liked the renovations at Clover Park, and were glad there was no massive fire from wayward fireworks, unlike the previous visit.

We were also blessed to spend time with Mom and Dad this month, celebrating brother-in-law Ray’s birthday, experiencing Florida “snow” and West Palm Beach’s famed sand-sculpted Christmas tree! Julie also found a very nice yarn store, which we’ll be certain to visit whenever we travel south.

Julie has her own office for the first time, located in the Custer Alumni House, where the GRCC Foundation is based. She does all kinds of writing and editing for college and foundation materials.

She and her knitting friends did some traveling for a weekend yarn adventure.

Julie also bears the burden of being the center of the universe for Tug, our senior kitty. Tug enjoys work-from-home days, couch time, modeling knitwear, and napping in the sun.

Tug's expanding living room empire is decorated for the holidays.

Dave is still communications director at Grand Rapids Community College, and its busy year included a visit from first lady Jill Biden for a campus vaccination clinic. Caroline was among the students, former students, and "implied students" in attendance and got to talk to Dr. Biden.

That's Caroline on the far right in the GRCC shirt, talking with first lady Jill Biden.

We were excited to host the district conference for the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations. The GRCC Communications team earned eight awards!

We are grateful Mom Nelson lives nearby and is happy and healthy, bouncing back after a tough 2020!

We are so proud of Caroline, Andrew and Aubrey. It’s nice to see them growing and succeeding in their careers and embracing fields where they help others.

It was so nice to have Kristen, Jeff and Zack join us for Thanksgiving! We participated in the Turkey Trot 5K race, got hipster coffee at Zack's favorite place and sushi, checked out a cool comic shop, and had a fabulous dinner with Mom Nelson. 

We hope that this holiday season finds you happy and healthy. This year, we certainly appreciated the things we get to do and who we get to do them with. We are able to focus on what and who is important, and take stock of all our blessings. Here's to a safer, more peaceful 2022.

We would love to hear from you! Everyone is on Facebook, and you can drop us a line at dmurray08@comcast.net.