It's hard not to get emotional when I think about the this year finally coming to an end. I am dumbfounded at the speed in which today has arrived. In the beginning, I never wanted it to end, today, I can't wait to turn the page. 2011 has been an incredible year on many levels. No year before has ever challenged me in so many ways.
Not sure this will make sense when I write it, but 2011 has been the most painful, yet most rewarding year of my life. Strange how it balanced out. In the wake of losing my love, Jodi to cancer, tons of love and support flowed to myself, our children and our families. In turn, we continued to inspire those around us. And that inspiration continues. Just the other day, a friend of mine through business circles in an email reply wrote "I'm going to change your name from RockStar [long story, we are a demanding account] to THE INSPIRATION." And just a moment ago, another friend from the same company posted her New Year Facebook wishes for me and said I was "truly an inspiration." Words like that go a long way and help to keep things into perspective. And this is no boast, I hear that a lot. And I need to. This is me. See, it's bi-directional. Knowing that I have inspired someone inspires me to inspire more. It's a wonderful, powerful circle and incredible feeling. I can't explain it, you have to live it for yourself. It's not about me, it's about you, it's about the people I love, and more importantly it's about three kids that I love and who look up to me everyday. It's my job, it's the example they will learn from. I am proud of that, and the example I have made.
IN 2011 WE INSPIRED OUR WAY THROUGH THE PAIN.
Not sure this will make sense when I write it, but 2011 has been the most painful, yet most rewarding year of my life. Strange how it balanced out. In the wake of losing my love, Jodi to cancer, tons of love and support flowed to myself, our children and our families. In turn, we continued to inspire those around us. And that inspiration continues. Just the other day, a friend of mine through business circles in an email reply wrote "I'm going to change your name from RockStar [long story, we are a demanding account] to THE INSPIRATION." And just a moment ago, another friend from the same company posted her New Year Facebook wishes for me and said I was "truly an inspiration." Words like that go a long way and help to keep things into perspective. And this is no boast, I hear that a lot. And I need to. This is me. See, it's bi-directional. Knowing that I have inspired someone inspires me to inspire more. It's a wonderful, powerful circle and incredible feeling. I can't explain it, you have to live it for yourself. It's not about me, it's about you, it's about the people I love, and more importantly it's about three kids that I love and who look up to me everyday. It's my job, it's the example they will learn from. I am proud of that, and the example I have made.
IN 2011 WE INSPIRED OUR WAY THROUGH THE PAIN.
Even though she was with me in spirit, Jodi and I inspired an audience of about 700 people, along with other guest speakers, at Lincoln Middle School during their annual Cancer Walk. The majority of the students and the entire staff remembered Jodi and her address to the students last year. It was a pretty amazing experience. To prepare a speech and hope to inspire the students, and to have confirmation from the staff and students that the goal was accomplished is incredibly rewarding. I remember Jodi's mom asking "Are you nervous?" I said "no, this is for Jodi." One staff member wrote me to say what Jodi and I shared has "opened many eyes and inspired many students beyond what textbooks can do." A special needs student wrote me to say "I feel like I have been given a gift, thank you". In response to me sharing my experience and the challenges Jodi and I faced, and having a positive attitude that inspired this student as he faces his own challenges. There are no words to describe what all of this means to me, it somehting you can only feel. And it doesn't end with Lincoln Middle School, this entire experience has touched many people and has inspired everyone in our family, our circle of friends and every life we have touched. That inspiration pushes me to do more. And because of that goodwill and inspiration, Jodi didn't leave us in vane, she left our world a better place.
In 2012, me and the children will continue to inspire. I am hoping this blog will continue to grow in the coming year. I also plan to give more than I have ever given. I don't have money, but I have the time. And to some, time is extremely valuable. I am planning on doing some community volunteering and possibly some work with a cancer group, or possibly even becoming an Ambassador for the TGen Foundation here in our area. The sky is the limit. I know I can't do everything I want to accomplish in the coming year, but I WILL ACCOMPLISH. And I wan't to inspire you to do the same. Set some goals, set aside some time, and do some good. You won't regret it. I triple dog dare you.
Here and now, at the end of the year. I am at peace. WITH EVERYTHING. I have reconnected with old friends and made new friends along the way. For 2012 and beyond, I want to be surrounded by the friends and family that I love. Together we are the most powerful force in the universe. And no matter what needs to be done or what seems to come our way, we WILL kick all forms of ass.
As always, Bruce T wishes you all a Happy New Year and may every year be better than the one before.
2012, New Year, new beginnings, new doors, and new experiences.
In 2012, me and the children will continue to inspire. I am hoping this blog will continue to grow in the coming year. I also plan to give more than I have ever given. I don't have money, but I have the time. And to some, time is extremely valuable. I am planning on doing some community volunteering and possibly some work with a cancer group, or possibly even becoming an Ambassador for the TGen Foundation here in our area. The sky is the limit. I know I can't do everything I want to accomplish in the coming year, but I WILL ACCOMPLISH. And I wan't to inspire you to do the same. Set some goals, set aside some time, and do some good. You won't regret it. I triple dog dare you.
Here and now, at the end of the year. I am at peace. WITH EVERYTHING. I have reconnected with old friends and made new friends along the way. For 2012 and beyond, I want to be surrounded by the friends and family that I love. Together we are the most powerful force in the universe. And no matter what needs to be done or what seems to come our way, we WILL kick all forms of ass.
As always, Bruce T wishes you all a Happy New Year and may every year be better than the one before.
2012, New Year, new beginnings, new doors, and new experiences.
