Merry Christmas 2017

I’d like to take just a moment of your time this morning to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. A lot has gone on in our lives since last Christmas just as I’m sure many of you have experiences of your own. I told Tammy the other day with everything we’ve been through and are still going through it would be so easy for us to just turn our backs on everything we believe. Yes it’s been a very tough year.

Our Year:

For us there have been difficulties at my work early on in the year. Tammy was in an auto accident which I hope and pray none of you ever have to experience. Her truck was totaled and she’s still dealing with injuries as a result. But worse than that she had to witness two people die and not be able to do anything about it. She was trapped in her truck. This has brought on an enormous burden which we were not prepared for, both physically and financially. Even though the accident was not Tammy’s fault we are still working with Sentara on hospital bills. The other insurance company will not help any until we agree to settle with them. With ongoing treatments and probable surgery after the first of the year we just have to stick it out. With the help of our family and true friends we are managing and getting better each day. As our dear friend Tim would say, “This is small stuff”.

Dad’s Marker at Christmas.
Thanks to the volunteers.

Tough year? Yes there is even more. In September we lost my dad. Dad was always the kind of guy that would help anyone. He served his country, he served the City of Portsmouth, VA and he served God. Dad was always a strong man both inside and out. It hurt more than I can say to watch him in his final days as he spiraled downhill. Tammy and I along with my mom and sister were there with dad when he passed. It was both sad and a relief. This was our first Christmas without him and it’s been a little tough but we’re doing well. Again, family and true friends make all the difference in the world.

And More:

Is this all? Of course not. In addition to the major incidents which have occurred we still have to deal with and handle everyday life situations as we go. Trust me, I’m not looking for pity or anything else. I’m simply sharing part of our year in the hopes that if someone reads this and they are feeling down about their life situation they will realize that it could be worse. I know others out there have it worse than we do.

It Gets Better:

This is where it gets better for those who have stuck with me reading all of this. Over the last 12 months we have learned so much. We have lost friends who do not understand what PTSD is or how it affects someone. I recommend reading up on it in case you ever need to understand. It’s not just combat soldiers who get hit with this. Maybe some of them were never really friends to start with. Again, that is small stuff. If someone wants to walk away from you or even attempt to walk over you when you are at your lowest then they are not worth any effort to try to restore a friendship that wasn’t.

So with all of this happening this year, why would I have anything positive to say? Simply put because through all of this God has been very good to Tammy and I. Yes we have had many struggles but He has been with us the whole way. Even when people were walking out of our lives, many other wonderful, caring people have come into our lives and given us the strength and support we need. Our bonds with some family members who we rarely see due to distance and time restraints have become stronger. Even at work people have been very supportive and I have had the opportunity to work more overtime which has helped keep us above water.

All of this has been put out here for a couple of reasons. One, it has been good therapy for me. But even more importantly it’s just a simple reminder to know that God is with us no matter what you are going through. He has given us the people we need to support us. And at this special time of year it is appropriate for us to remember the true meaning of Christmas. We are celebrating a special birthday today. I trust that you will make that last beyond this one day. Remember why He came and was born on earth.

Thank You and Merry Christmas:

I thank you all for the support you have shown me this past year. Lots of support on the blog. It has been a good year despite events and has been a lot of fun. Many of you have also been around during some of these very low points and have been very supportive. Tammy and I both are very grateful.

So I have taken more time than I intended to wish you a Merry Christmas. Sorry I got long winded on you but I hope all of this will be of help to someone out there.

We are thankful for each and every one of you and sincerely want to wish you Merry Christmas and we hope you have a Happy New Year.

Thank you.