2013.......Where Do I Begin......
At points in my life, I had feelings that I was "blessed" by an opportunity, or that I was "blessed" with a situation. I can now say, without doubt, that I truly am blessed. There is no question the power of that phrase any longer, and it sure didn't take long to realize it. On February 7th, time stopped. At that moment, on that morning, everything went silent. All was blocked, until I heard the faint cry of life from my newborn son.
Ten months in, and I still can't convince myself that this isn't a dream. It's all so perfect. Events, moments, dreams, that I could only fantasize about for most of my life, had all come true. I was married, celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary. We welcomed Harlan into our lives and the world. I was blessed with a new job and new beginnings. It all seems like a mirage, an illusion of the greatest variety.
Each year is faced with it's downs as well. Family members left us, world events shaped us. Financial difficulties galvanized us. Throughout all of this, though, we have become stronger as a family, and I as a person. These experiences, as tough as they can be, exist constantly. A test to make sure we are always on our heels. Pain is the currency we all must pay, for the reward at the end of the day.
I'm not one for resolutions, simply for the fact that a single promise to strive for is never enough, and it leaves the door open for failure, which often occurs. All I can aim for, is to be a better man, a better husband, and a better father, than I was this previous year. Struggle is inevitable, but with determination and focus, success is guaranteed. Here's to 110%, all day, every day.
So, as we come close to midnight, on this day, 31st December, 2013, I want to thank everyone who has helped, in any way to achieve our family's hopes and dreams this past year. From my parents, to Amy's. From my co-workers, new and old. From friends to acquaintances. I thank you all, and wish you a very happy new year,
-Jesse Anderson
"The Andersons"
