There are many things to be thankful for this year and as chaotic as the holidays are, it is natural to spend much of the time reflecting over what has happened and what is yet to come. Although I lived in parts of East County for many years, this year is special. It used to be only a home, but now it is my friend.
There are many things to be thankful for this year and as chaotic as the holidays are, it is natural to spend much of the time reflecting over what has happened and what is yet to come. Although I lived in parts of East County for many years, this year is special. It used to be only a home, but now it is my friend.
Over the past eight months I have had the fortune to meet so many wonderful people. I have new friends, colleagues and every time I step out of this office, I meet someone new and hear a remarkable story that I have never heard before. Many of these people become new friends, people that I can trust to confide in and experts at what is going on in the community and our local governments.
The people of East County never cease to amaze me. In reading the content of this week’s edition and past editions, these are just glimpses into the lives and people that make East County what it is today. I am humbled to be surrounded by such incredible people and it makes my job an incredible journey, even through the toughest times.
The past couple of weeks, with all of the holiday activities, it is phenomenal to be on the outside looking in as I watch people give up their time, money, heart and soul to find ways to give to those that are less fortunate this year and can use a little boost in life. Life is full of stress, but it is amazing how a little kindness can turn your world around in a split second.
And my life and family is no different than yours. Here it is the week before Christmas, which is a time of year that my family celebrates and I am so far behind. There is no Christmas tree up yet, which is unheard of. Normally it is up the week after Thanksgiving and stays there until the end of January, or until all of the needles are lying on the floor, whichever comes first. I am not done with gift buying, getting pretty close, but there are still some things I need to fight my way through the traffic and crowds to get. But, I know it will be done in time. Miraculously, no matter how impossible it seems, it all comes together in the end.
One reason why is because I know inside that these are the minor things in life. As long as my family is together, both physically or in spirit, there is nothing more that I need. The rest are just desires of life and are flexible when it comes to what is important, not only at this time of year, but all year long.
But as I said, I have much to be thankful for. People that love me surround me, I have the public service job I have always desired and my life is never still. In the midst of a to-do list a mile long, last week all of my children and grandchildren met at Mast Park in Santee to take family photos. It was a beautiful day, we were all together and those are moments that I live for. It was like getting to open a gift early and a day that is much more engraved in my memories than in the photos that were taken. Although I must say, I think this is going to be a new yearly tradition in my family.
I have many friends that do not celebrate Christmas, but I believe regardless of beliefs, differences and whatever life is throwing at us at the moment that this is a good time of year to reflect and be thankful for what we do have and not focus on what we do not.
So here is my wish for the people of East County this year. May your life be as busy, frenzied, loud, irrational, unexpected and filled with surprises as mine is. However they come, both good and the not so good, it is my hope that you find your way through it and may your days be merry and bright.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” –Unknown
Here’s to those moments in life. Cheers!
