Twenty-five years ago, I wasn't sure I could do it all myself. There were things I didn't do very well, but that I learned I could do, such as raising happy reasonably well adjusted young men while working a demanding full time job. Today, my career accomplishments mean nothing compared to the achievement of raising two fantastic sons who are amazing fathers with big hearts and a love for life.
If you know a single mom, please reach out and offer to help by taking the kids for an afternoon, buying her some groceries (don't ask what she needs; we are a proud bunch and will say "nothing" even when we need the basics), taking her to lunch, or buying her a coffee. Just do it. Anything helps! Thanks to all the friends who just did things for me when I needed help. You made a difference!
The hardest lesson of the past few years has been that everything takes time and patience is a virtue that can be improved upon with effort. Really focused effort.
At the close of 2019, I am thinking fondly of those who helped me in so many ways, especially my family and friends who pitched in when I needed them. Nature, my second love, has kept me focused and smiling this year, and travel has simply given me a thirst for more. I'll be back in Italy in 2020, God willing.
What a thoughtful article and a nice read to start the New Year! Your photos are stunning!
What a photographic feast! Thank you. Looking back and looking forward, what accomplishments (through circumstances good and bad) with your family that live on and prosper. Friendships and our love of nature are there for encouragement and inspiration every day.