Welcome, Family and Friends, to our yearly update. 2022 has been a momentous year for the entire family. We headed into the year with a lot to look forward to. Little did we know that this year would be fraught with losses and setbacks as well.
Gabe returned to Northampton in January to live with his girlfriend Anna as she completed her last year at Smith College. Gabe started his second semester at Auckland University of Technology‘s Bachelors of Health Sciences program, where he is studying to be a paramedic. He also continued to work for Fitzwilly’s to earn extra spending money. After Anna’s graduation, the pair returned to Portland in time for Jo’s high school graduation and to prepare for the long-awaited trip to Auckland, as New Zealand opened its borders in the spring. In July, Gabe finally began school in person at AUT; he has found his passion for learning and has excelled in his coursework. Gabe also enjoyed his clinical placements, riding around with professional paramedics and EMTs. Gabe and Anna made the decision to purchase a car to enhance their quality of life; a week into ownership, however, their car was stolen and was a deemed a total loss when it was recovered. Fortunately, insurance paid out, they were able to get a new, better vehicle. The timing worked out perfectly with Jo’s arrival in November.
Jo kicked off 2022 eager to finish out their senior year at Cleveland High School. Jo continued to play upright bass in the Jazz Ensemble, which excelled in scholastic competitions this year and was a contender for the top spot in the state. Unfortunately, COVID-19 had other plans for the band, and they ended up having to forfeit their performance at State because key band members were unable to perform. The spring, however, brought with it Prom Season, and Jo was able to attend with their significant other Arly. Jo’s school year culminated with graduation in June. We played host to a number of family members and got to watch Jo walk at Providence Park. In addition to earning an International Baccalaureate diploma, Jo was also a Valedictorian and received an award for outstanding achievement in Social Studies. Jo returned to Rose City Coffee Company this summer, this time as Barista and, at times, Shift Leader. When all of their friends headed off to college in the fall, Jo and Tom did a little camping at Clear Lake. Jo spent weekends in October taking wilderness skills courses and visiting friends in Washington before heading off to New Zealand to visit Gabe and start a Workaway placement.
This year has been particularly tumultuous for Sharon. In late February, her commitment to bringing racial equity and social justice to emotionally focused therapy collided with her professional association’s lack of vision. As a result, they terminated her status as a certified trainer. Then on February 26, Sharon’s stepmother, Marilyn, passed away from complications of pneumonia. Marilyn had been in and out of the hospital, so while her passing was sad, it was not unexpected; her obituary was published in the Kansas City Star. Sharon, Tom, and Gabe made the trip to Missouri in March to attend her memorial in Kansas City, then Sharon and Tom went on to the family farm in the Ozarks for a family service. Sharon’s therapy and supervision practice continues to thrive, even while she reconfigures her training life. While the majority of her work is still out of the home office, she is beginning to see some clients in person. Sharon has really taken to ceramics. She regularly brings home mugs and bowls from the studio where she takes classes. Sharon is planning a sabbatical from work that will start this summer. She hopes to spend a lot of time in nature and making art as a reset for the next chapter of life.
Tom spent most of the year working from home for Cayuse. In his free time, he pursued his hobbies of bouldering, fishing, and singing with Rock Voices, a community rock choir. Realizing that software was not his passion, he began thinking about his transition plan. He took inspiration from a chance encounter with a former colleague from his private practice days, and decided to go into business for himself as a relief veterinarian. In November, he launched TLC Relief and Consulting LLC. So far business is good. Tom gets to set his own schedule and is proud to support so many vet clinics that practice quality medicine.
COVID took its toll on the family in 2022. Sharon took ill shortly after Jo’s graduation. Gabe got COVID right before he was supposed to start his first day of classes in person at AUT. And Jo came down with COVID as soon as they arrived in Auckland. All had only mild cases, however, and made full recoveries.
While the year was peppered with setbacks and losses, there was also a lot to be grateful for and to celebrate. Besides during Jo’s graduation, we were able to spend time with different friends and family when they came to visit. We had many wonderful weekends at our cabin on Wy’East (the Multnomah people’s name for Mt. Hood). In the spring, Sharon and Jo took a spring break trip to Arizona. Sharon and Tom took Jo and Arly to Grand Teton National Park in July. Gabe and Jo each went with their significant others to Mexico. And even though Gabe and Jo are in New Zealand through the end of the year, we still keep in touch frequently thanks to the Internet.
We are looking forward to 2023. Gabe and Jo return in mid-January to spend a few weeks at home before Gabe goes back to New Zealand for school and Jo heads off to Europe for more gap year travels. Sharon and Tom recently acquired a camper van, which they were only able to take out a few times in 2022; they are looking forward to more camping adventures next year. We are hoping to have some family time in June when Gabe returns for his mid year break. Jo starts their freshman year at Warren Wilson College in the fall. And in December, the family hopes to head down to New Zealand to visit Gabe and see the sights.
Sorry for the long post, but as you can see, it really was a momentous year for all of us. We wish you a happy holiday season, and hope the coming year brings you peace and fulfillment.
Chatkupt Lee Family 