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. I lived in parts of East County for many years and as much as I work out here, in many ways I feel I still do. 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. I lived in parts of East County for many years and as much as I work out here, in many ways I feel I still do. It used to be only a home, but now it is my friend.
Nearly five years now, I have had the fortune to meet many wonderful people. I have new friends and old friends, colleagues and many people in East County that I look up to and depend on. 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.
People of East County never cease to amaze me. In reading the content of this week’s edition and editions past, 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 a few weeks before Christmas, which is a time of year that my family celebrates and I am behind, once again. We just got our Christmas tree up, but still in the process of decorating. 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 lists a mile long, it is important to remember these things that count.
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 as many 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.
Cheers to these moments in life!
