Wow, the end of the year is finally upon us. Thank sweet baby jeebus. This year wasn’t bad or good, it just was. I’m happy to have survived relatively unscathed.
2017 challenged me in good ways and bad. I fought and won, and fought and lost. While the year tried like heck to knock me down, I fought like hell to stay up and keep going and that has made me a better husband, father, leader, and friend.
I advocated for my students, saw lives change, and had several positive and tough conversations with them about their future.
I gained and lost friends. I mourned the loss of friends, tried my best to honor the memory of friends that have died years prior, and smiled and wished others well when they hit amazing milestones.
I was challenged as a father. I saw my girls grow and struggle and overcome challenges but emerge stronger and that makes me proud.
I’m ready for the challenges that 2018 will bring. I took great notes and (still) have some very strong opinions about the future, but I’m ready.
I know that there is a whole lot of improving that I can, and will do in 2018.
To close out this year, I’d like to leave you with a quote from his Holiness the 14 Dalai Lama:
“I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.”
Goodbye 2017! Here’s to an awesome 2018!
~John
#jesuisCharlie #nousommesCharlie #defendDACA
