Reflections 2025

I began the year in the air, flying to Bangkok, where I spent two wonderful weeks with my family. Bronwyn and Noiy had moved there in 2024 when Naomi received a scholarship to an international school. I stayed in an Airbnb in the same building, which meant I could slip easily into their daily rhythm of life in the city. A gift. I turned sixty‑eight on the flight home to South Africa.

While I was away, my niece Jessica welcomed her first baby, a little boy named Jamie. She now lives in Dublin, Ireland. John and Lynn’s first grandchild — always a reason to celebrate.

           

                                                                  

This year took me to Gauteng three times: once for work, once for Tarryn’s wedding, and finally for Bruce’s funeral.

       
                                                                                

March was my month to vacate my home so my landlords could enjoy their holiday. I remain deeply grateful for this unique rental arrangement. I based myself with Frank and Marina in their new home in Fishhoek and used the month to be a local tourist — visiting Onrus, Hermanus, Greyton and Montagu. In the final week, I joined Frank and Marina for a road trip along the Garden Route, staying in the Wilderness area.

I have been part of the Pass It On Network (PION) for more than ten years. This year, three of us — Osnat in Seattle, Femada in Durban, and myself here in the Cape — worked together to honour Jan and Moira with a special online event. Sadly, Jan became ill a few weeks before the celebration and died just before it took place. The event became a rich tapestry of history and legacy in honour of both founders. You can read and listen here: https://www.passitonnetwork.org/co-founders-honored/

Life holds both birth and death, and the losses often come unexpectedly. Three deaths touched me deeply this year. My dearest friend, Michele Coleman — my school friend from Standard One through matric — died in March after a stroke. She had moved to Sydney after retiring as a pharmacist to be closer to her son and family. Then, in early August, Daphne’s husband Bruce was admitted to hospital with an infection and passed away four weeks later. I have stayed with Daphne and Bruce over many years when visiting the dam, and Bruce has always been kind to me and my family. It is heartbreaking to watch a best friend lose her partner. The third loss was Rebecca, the daughter of my friends Jane and Graeme Codrington. She was born just weeks before Bronwyn and Noiy’s wedding twenty years ago. As we grow older, we expect death to be part of life — but never for those still so young. My heart continues to ache for these families.

This year I have enjoyed becoming more rooted in life in the Helderberg. I love my church family, and I belong to a group of local female founders called The Sounding Board. I attend a weekly small group and had the privilege of speaking at a Spring Tea for the Legends (60‑plussers). I still enjoy Aqua twice a week. I also created five local community groups for 50Plus‑Skills in the Cape. We meet several times a year, expanding networks and creating spaces for collaboration, trust, and shared purpose.

In August, I attended a wonderful Authors’ Book Festival in the Helderberg — three sessions over three weeks. It helped me begin shaping a framework for a book of my own. I was humbled to be included in the writings of four individuals this year. Their encouragement — thank you Sarah Unsworth, Louise van Rhyn, Colleen Larsen and Jayshree Naidoo — has given me the courage to consider what I may write next.

This was also a conference year: the two‑day Greenlight Movement Conference at the Waterfront in June, and the International Federation on Ageing Conference at the Cape Town Convention Centre in September. These gatherings offer opportunities to learn, grow, network, and showcase the work being done in our field.

Our family continues to grow. On the Davis side, I am the oldest of thirty‑two close family members, now spread across seven cities on four continents. Congratulations to my nephew Ed and Shelby on their engagement in Florida. We are expecting new babies in 2026 — news for next year’s letter.

Bronwyn has taken on a full‑time teaching role at Naomi’s school, and Daniel will complete his schooling in February 2026. We continue to pray and wait on the Lord for what comes next for him. Omi was involved in her high school musical this year. Noiy has travelled extensively this year — invited to Boston and working with teams in three other Asian nations.

  

Justin, Sarah and the girls moved into a new home and completed renovations this year. I look forward to visiting them in the UK in March, and I will also spend a week with my USA family. Emma and Chloe are in their third year of high school and thriving. Their school will be coming to Cape Town in October 2026 for a hockey tour.

I ended the year with a ten‑day road trip to Onrus, Sedgefield and Plett. Many friends have semi‑grated from Gauteng, and it is lovely having them closer. My nephew Alistair and his wife Sharika are visiting from the Netherlands, and I am spending time with family in and around Fishhoek as the year draws to a close.

Blessings to you all. Thank you for being part of my journey and story this year