I just really feel like I should say this for whatever reason....

When I look around at the people who have surrounded me this past year, I realize that for the first time in my life, these people are asking me to be who I was created to be. I mean, it's built into my names: Crowned Strong-Man. My bosses at the coffee shop were asking me to be a leader. My friends are asking me to be strong. My girlfriend is asking me to be a man. And as I think about what all this really means, it scares the sh*t out of me because I'm not sure if I can be all these things they're asking for. They tell me I'm doing it, and that I'm doing a great job being these, but a part of me still doesn't believe it. But I look at myself objectively, and I see that yes, I am. I am a leader. I am strong. I am a man. Even as much as it scares me. But I tell you, the adventure is so worth the risk.

Are you being who you were created to be?

¶ 12:55 AM 1 comments

It's Thanksgiving in the States, a time of reflecting over the past year and being thankful for everything we're blessed with, whether we have little or plenty. This year, I'm thankful for the opportunity to bless and be blessed, to teach and be taught, and of course to love and be loved.

It's been a tough year. There's no denying that. But in the end, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Opportunities and adventures that I never thought possible. I feel that I've grown and changed and been shaped in so many ways, all for the positive. And through it all, my steadfast friends ran right alongside, handing me paper cups filled with water or sports drink, waving pom-poms and signs. The race is not finished -- far from it -- but I've gotten this far only by their support (you know who you are) and, above all, strength from the Big Guy Himself.

Thank you. :-)


Oh yeah, Libby's OK now. She's on the special diet food (eats it voraciously) and getting subcutaneous fluids weekly. Her energy level is back to when I first got her; she's like a new kitten now. Thanks, everyone, for your kind words and thoughts and prayers. We very much appreciate them. :-)

¶ 12:17 AM 0 comments