December 31st, 2025

Dear readers and friends,

A new year begins. As so often at this time, it comes with its share of good resolutions, ambitious projects… and, at times, surprises that we very clearly did not order.

If I had to sum up the past year in a single image, it would probably be a calendar filled with medical appointments, waiting rooms and hospital meal trays. Let’s just say that my foot and I have become very familiar with the hospital environment. In fact, we could almost have asked for a loyalty card: ten operations, the eleventh free.

But this year was not only a succession of constraints and enforced pauses. It was also a year of learning. Learning to slow down, even when you really do not want to. Learning to accept help from others, without negotiating. And above all, learning to put things into perspective: when you cannot move forward quickly, you can at least move forward differently.

There were difficult days, of course. Moments of doubt, fatigue and sometimes frustration, especially when patience was supposed to be my greatest ally. But there was also a great deal of light: the messages I received, the visits, the quiet but precious words of encouragement, and your loyalty here on this blog. Many of you read, reacted and accompanied me, often without making any noise. And that means a great deal. Over the months, this blog has become a place to breathe. A space to put words down, to tell stories without dramatising, and sometimes to smile at situations which, seen from the outside, might have discouraged more than one surgeon… or patient.

As I step into this new year, I am not making any grand promises. Just a few simple wishes: to keep moving forward, one step at a time (even if that step is sometimes a little unsteady), to keep a sense of humour, because it helps enormously and to continue sharing with you real, human and lived stories. Thank you for being there this year. Thank you for your curiosity, your kindness and your loyalty.

A very special thank you to my close friends, who will recognise themselves.Your support is the fuel that keeps me moving forward, even when the path is slower than expected. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I wish you a new year filled with good health, small everyday joys, inspiring projects… and as few waiting rooms as possible.

See you very soon!

Thanks to AI!