Now that the seasonal excitement is winding down, I would say to continue the theme that started when this holiday season rolled around and calling this the best Christmas ever is definitely a no-brainer. The road traveled internally since February with the uncertainty of that time and whether I`d be around here for Christmas makes me stop and think. Here I sit staring a new year in the face as it waits in the wings a few days away. To be able to sit here putting these words to paper gives me pause to recognize how that makes me a very lucky and grateful man. So much has transpired since the early part of this year.
The fact my wife and I were able to celebrate Christmas this year on Christmas Day added to the special nature of this holiday season. She was able to get out a little early on Christmas Eve so our weekend started ahead of schedule. We talked till the wee hours of the morning that night and when one works 2nd shift that is a somewhat common occurrence though we both managed to stay awake past our typical crash time.
Christmas started a three days early for me this year with three phone conversations and an email from four individuals instrumental in keeping my spirits up in their own way throughout this year. Each individual at different times and in their own unique way gave me such a boost of Spirit I can't put it into words. I will do my best to carry on and carry forward and pass on what they each have given me. We communicated by text, email and phone and the one in person visitor of those four won't see this because he doesn't really do the Interwebs.
The relationships were created in their own unique ways, two were old friends and two were new this year. One was someone I met through a common connection whose support and good thoughts, whether by phone or email, have been a huge part of helping me navigate through the ups and downs of 2016. The other new friend resulted from a comment online and lead to much laughter and support that I still don't think he really knows how much he helped me this year. We haven`t talked by phone yet. The other two were my oldest friends calendar wise that are still above ground. One managed to make a stop at the house on a quick turnaround trip to Arizona back in the summer; we hadn't seen each other in several years. The best news from him is he will be out here again in January and we'll be able to sit and break bread. The last was my longest time old friend that is bar none the best wrench I have ever known. I haven't seen him in over a dozen years though we do talk at least 2 to 3 times a month. These four reminded me of a few old friends that are not with us anymore and I think of those folks often, especially at this time of year.
Christmas day I awoke and told my wife "I felt better than I have in close to 2 years and for sure a year and a half at least. Not better in the sense I'm going to run outside and paint the house though it needs it. It is different and better than just a body feeling it is a Soul feeling. I still get worn out too fast to suit my taste, most tasks take two to three times longer to complete and I'm not always steady afoot though little improvements in regard to any of those instances are most notable. I do take the time to recognize and celebrate them.
One goal reached another standing by and a third will be here soon.
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The New Year is almost upon us and I plan on making a few resolutions but those are for another edition of The Hole in the Paper.
I hope everyone's Christmas was as merry as mine.
Have a safe, happy and prosperous New Year.
