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Alexis Bellino Thanks John Janssen for “Helping” Her Through Her “Toughest Year”
The Real Housewives of Orange County alum is grateful that her new beau was by her side throughout the holiday season.
The past year was an incredibly difficult one for Alexis Bellino. The Real Housewives of Orange County alum lost her beloved mother Penelope after the latter endured a three-year health battle. She also went through a tough breakup, calling off her three-year engagement to Andrew "Drew" Bohn. However, the Orange County mother still found a little magic (and sparkle) in her 2023 holiday season — and she's crediting her new beau John Janssen for his help with that.
In a new Instagram post, Alexis laid out in heartwrenching detail how painful the loss of her mother has been. But she also expressed gratitude for the brighter spots of her past year, including the new romance she's found with the man she calls "J."
Alexis Bellino thanks John Janssen for "helping" her celebrate the 2023 holiday season
In a January 3 Instagram post, Alexis shared a video of heartwarming snapshots that featured her mother. Penelope was seen cuddling her grandchildren, celebrating holidays with her family, and exuding warmth and joy with her trademark smile. Alexis accompanied the photo with a candid, deeply heartfelt caption.
"2023 has been the absolute toughest year of my life," the RHOC alum wrote. "But I do know that mom is looking out for me as she has brought me a blessing from the other side. I wish all of you the best 2024 ever! My heart is forever broken from losing her and I pray that one day that pain will lessen. It seems almost unbearable at times still. I want to call her. I need to ask her advice. I miss her jokes. I miss her quirkiness. Like [her] having 20 napkins at all times. Or the fact that she brought her own chopsticks and salt to Mastros. I miss her voice. I just miss her….everything about her. She was my absolute best friend."
Presumably referring to John, Alexis went on to write: "Thank you, J for helping me through celebrating Christmas and NYE without my favorite person being here."
To conclude her post, Alexis wrote: "I’ve been a basket case at times. I don’t ever want another year like 2023. BUT 2024 can bring lots of good even through the darkness. It’s all about perspective. And my perspective is that my mom would want me to stand up, be strong, be kind, and be me."
"I’m praying she gives me the strength to do ALL of life like she did life. She’s the strongest woman I know and she fought the toughest 3 year battle. Here’s to 2024. I love you all and hope 2024 brings you all you want!!!"
