For me 2025 was a year of pleasant surprises—unexpected gifts that I did not plan for (that is a miracle in itself). These surprise miracles specifically come to mind:
SURPRISE! 🎉 #1: I never expected to live in a full house but, oh, am I! I was about to close on a condominium, but after reviewing the contract my attorney informed me that the unit was in a 62+ community. Back to the drawing board. When my “son-in-love” heard the news, he suggested I come stay with them (another miracle, LOL—I am a loveable in-law). I took him up on his offer. Not only does living with them mean less bills but a shorter commute to work. Sweet, two more unexpected miracles. Most important, rather than living alone, which I really have not wanted to do since the pandemic, I live with four other adults, my 12-year-old grandson, a newborn baby, and two dogs. LOL!
SURPRISE!🎉 #2: I have formed a new relationship (a sisterhood if you will) unexpectedly. Specifically, there are two ladies with whom I have bonded. We met by donating our time as administrators but somehow our work turned to play. We do our work when necessary and play every other opportunity we get, which is daily. What a treat to set out to do a job and receive an unexpected bonus. In addition to these new relationships, I have grown to have a greater appreciation for other connections already in place.
And SURPRISE! 🎉 #3: My role as editor-in-chief of the school paper was another 2025 pleasant surprise, one you could never have convinced me I would have made room for in my already busy life. It is another example of how the unexpected can happen at any moment. This occurred at a time when I was hoping for a career shift from administrative assistant to administrative manager. Editor-in-chief was not even a thought, but oh what a pleasant SURPRISE! 🎉
Upon reflection, I recognize unexpected surprises, those I did not plan for, to be miracles. And miracles are worthy of celebration. If you would like to share your 2025 reflections, please feel free to do so using the Submission Guidelines page. Wishing you a new year of pleasant surprises!
By: Kelley A. Raphael, Editor-in-Chief
