This year has been the been filled with turmoil for me. There have been many ups and downs, stresses and arguments, joys and good memories.
I have achieved things that I am very proud of, and I have done things that I regret and am ashamed of. However all the things that I have done and have happened to me have helped me realize where and who I want to be.
My daughter Hayden has been the one constant joy. Yeah she has been a disobedient, whiny three year old, but so have I sometimes. At least she is three. She is also growing up fast. Her intelligence is amazing to witness. Her thoughts shared are entertaining and insightful. She shows love I have never come in contact with before, a love that is untarnished and not judge-mental. i hope and pray I can help her fulfill her dreams and help her become whatever person she so so desires to be. To nurture and love her and provide her with a future that allows her to reach her full potential, whether that be a ballerina or a construction worker. I hope one day she reads this and realizes that she really helped me get through this year.
My wife, Karissa, has been equally vital to my being. I can only hope she sees through the smoke and realizes what a horrible year this has been for me. The new year brings with it new hope, a new perspective on life, and change in priorities for me. She is the person I am meant to be with, the one I will love for eternity. I just want her to know that I believe our relationship will be stronger for all the hurt and pain we have suffered, and on the other side will be the envy of other couples.
My friends have been great. I may not have a lot but the ones I do have are trusted and true. I realized just how good a friend an old one was earlier this year, and am happy to have made another with the same morales and kindness more recently.
Finally there is family. I have realized how much they mean to me, both extended, immediate, and in-laws. They are a vital cog in any persons life.
So to sum up I think it is a new year that I needed. A new page. A new start. A time to reflect. I wish everyone who reads this a safe and happy year. Just take some time out to appreciate the ones you love for me!