Reflections

The times... they are changing.

It has been some time since we last communicated. I hope that you and your family enjoyed the Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations and that you are looking eagerly to 2015. I know that I am; I cannot wait to see what adventures lie ahead!

Two years ago, I was spending New Year's Eve on my own. My wife was travelling with her side of the family, and my parents and sister were all travelling as well. When I had gotten on the road from dropping my wife, Rachel, off with her parents, I did so with the intent of driving back to Little Rock. However, it was mid-afternoon, and it would have been a very late arrival. I decided instead to go back and stay the night at my parents' house, and start fresh the next morning. As I was driving, I called my grandmother to see what she was doing. She invited me out for supper.

I ended up staying out at her house until after midnight. We watched football, visited, and laughed. It was a truly enjoyable evening, one which I will never forget. Within six months, she was diagnosed with cancer. Six months later (almost a year ago to date), she passed away.

I love and miss my Nana. She is not the only one that I lost this year. But 2014 also had some truly incredible, unforgettable moments: a family vacation with my parents and sister, a march through Washington DC on the fourth of July, and countless other personal and professional highlights.

In the end, 2014 was a sobering reminder to cherish every moment. And that is our challenge looking ahead to 2015. Love God, love others, and savor the beauty that is life.

Happy New Year!