I introduced some people in my blog on New Year’s resolutions a couple of years back… people I’m blessed to know and proud to call my friends. Just a little update for 2020 in case you’re curious. The woman with cancer continues to defy all odds. She’s still undergoing chemo on regular basis but still loving and living life to the fullest. She and her husband traveled the world some in 2019, places like Hawaii and Venice. And in her spare time she started a new job! She’s still full of fight, still a joy to everyone lucky enough to know her. That man and his whole family have moved to Florida where they can play catch in the back yard year-round. His son is working at a local grocery and is doing great. I don’t see them as much as I’d like anymore, but from everything I see on Facebook they’re still laughing and talking and thriving… together. These folks are real-life heroes to me, inspiring on every level.
In case you missed it, here’s that original blog. Happy New Year everyone!
I was never much for New Year’s resolutions. I always figured if something needed doing you just did it! You didn’t wait around for special occasions or some extra incentive stamped by the date. If it had to be done it had to be done. I’ve taken on a lot of issues that way in my life, everything from losing 200 pounds to stopping smoking. No big deal.
Or so I thought. Lately I’ve been thinking more and more about New Year’s resolutions, the promises we make to ourselves and each other. Last year I heard a woman with stage 4 cancer resolve to fight her tumors tooth and nail, to stay brave and cheerful, and most of all to survive. Today she’s still going strong, full of warmth and grace, she’s even started a cancer support group at her local church. I don’t know how much of that was because of her New Year’s resolution... but it sure didn’t hurt.
And a few years ago one of my old friends resolved to be a better father. And it wasn’t easy for him. He had a Down’s Syndrome son in his early twenties, a constant source of worry and often despair. But my friend really stood up to the plate… literally. He and his son played catch most every day, attended little league together and became great fans of the Milwaukee Brewers. It didn’t change the world, but it sure made them a lot happier!
So now I’m foursquare on the bandwagon. I’ve seen the value of a New Year’s promise made in good faith, whether to yourself or the people around you. And my resolution this year is to be more mindful of the people who are in there hacking, using their resolutions, best efforts and faith in trying to make a world a better place. Happy New Year!
