Dear Grace,
As always I am thinking about you.
My Plans
I’ve been working through my key activities and goals for 2025. I have a new sense of optimism for the year, though I’ve also been more realistic about what I can achieve.
Some things I thought I wanted to do no longer interest me, like hiking the Japanese equivalent of the Camino or living on a yacht.
Meeting Someone New
I had a nice weekend with G. She’s Argentinian and a year younger than me. I really like her attitude, and we have a lot in common. I also think she’s looking for something serious and long-term. She’s a bit different from you.
Seeing her completely turned my weekend upside down. On Saturday, we walked around Alicante and had dinner together. Then, on Sunday, we went shopping and spent time walking and talking.
New Cleaner
My new cleaner started today. She’s originally from Colombia and has been here with her daughter since September. She’s a lovely lady and incredibly thorough.
Stitches Gone
I had the stitches removed from my neck today. I’ve been advised to wear a scar-reducing plaster for 3–4 months, so no spray tans for me for a while! The cost of the scar cream and plasters was shocking—well over €50.
Remember That We Will Die
I want to get over the taboo surrounding death and understand how we feel about it. I recently bought a book called A Beginner’s Guide to Dying. It’s about a guy living in Jersey who has to face his imminent death. Many things I’ve read so far really resonate with me, like:
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- Regrets about working too much.
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- Realizing money isn’t everything.
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- Being grateful and kind.
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- Having positive interactions, like smiling at people.
I miss you, darling. Many of the values I’ve been reflecting on remind me of you.
I even made a post on Instagram and Facebook about the Latin phrase memento mori, which means, “Remember that you will die.” It’s a philosophical reminder from the Stoics.
Needing to Switch Off
I need to learn how to switch off. Today, I spent a lot of time researching new companies to invest in, along with handling endless admin tasks. I can’t seem to stop and just sit still. You know me—I need to be a bit more like you. Switch off, relax, and have some fun.
You Were Nurtured Very Well
When I think about it, your grandmother and grandfather, along with your aunts, must have taken such great care of you. It’s clear they helped you become such a wonderful, well-grounded person. You had no hang-ups and were so comfortable with yourself—the complete opposite of your mother.
Reflecting on my own upbringing, I wonder if we’d all be better off raised by our grandmothers. They have so much more life experience.
As always, I love you.
David
