What a year

[Jackofalltrades]

So tomorrow I have the pleasure of turning 33 years old. Normally this isn't that big of a deal because nothing of any significance has occured during the year. The same can not be said for this year.

Shortly after turning 32 I was blessed with the birth of a son, though two month early he was relatively health and more importantly, alive. 56 days of driving from Salisbury to CMC-Main downtown went by and we were able to bring him home. My father was a permanent fixture at the NICU while Tyler was growing and developing.

I got to experience many first's as a father and it was all I thought it would be. Not only that but I got to give my parents and in-laws their first grandson. Everything was going according to plan.

As the year progressed and winter turned to spring the news wasn't as cheerful. As many of you know my father passed away in April and it's been really rough. He died in the parking lot where a worked on a day I was sick and was supposed to work with him. This hasn't sat well with me.

A month later, despite telling me to take my time, I was fired from that job for taking too long to come back. Since then I've been unemployed but have had the opportunity to watch my son grow. While it's often hard to do I reming myself that everything happens for a reason and God has a plan.

So I now turn 33 and have another series of first's to experience, first birthday and Christmas without my father, who was also my best friend and I'm not quite sure how it's going to go. His B-day was Dec 24, that will no doubt be the toughest test. While only 33, the two primary people responsible for my existense are both dead and gone. It still seems surreal.

So, here's to another year. I hope it brings more blessings without more sorrow. Thanks to all here who have helped and asked about me along the way. I do appreciate it more than you know and if anything, I look forward to spending another year here with you guys.

Sincerely,

John

[Hawk]

thats a tough year for sure...here's to 33 and bouncing back strong and making the most of what you have!

[DirtyMagic97]

Life has a way of improving if you allow it to. Do what you want and what makes you happy, don't just think things are going to get better. You have to believe it, and you have to chase it. You do that and you will be fine! Hope this year is great for you.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

You've had one hell of a year. Your grief over your father's death will subside with time, especially as you watch his grandson grow. I'm sure it will be very difficult, but on December 24 you can reflect on all the great memories you and your father shared. I think it's awesome that you and he were best friends; I know that I and many others can't say that about our fathers.

May your father live on in the love shared between you and your son.

[Jackofalltrades]

Thanks guys.

[thefuzz]

At least he got to experience the birth of a grandson.

Good luck.