Spring Has Sprung!

Hello Everyone,

It has been quite some time since I have written anything on Mom's "Walk On The Beach". First and foremost, Mom is doing GREAT! She continues to amaze us and inspire us each and every day.

I wanted to take a moment and express to everyone how grateful I am for all of the wonderful love and support that Mom and our family have received from all of you. I also wanted to share a few thoughts.

There are some hard lessons of life that I have learned over the last year. I am not thrilled how I have learned them, but I am grateful that I have learned them. Though my life is busier than ever, I see, talk to, hug, kiss and love my family more than I ever have. If time lapses and I begin to miss these moments shared, I have a pit in my stomach and try to remedy that as quickly as possible. I have found that I have been working hard for "things", just "things". Now, I am working hard for "less stress", "less clutter", "more experiences", "more moments" and "more possibilities". I work too much and on that I must admit I continue to struggle.

I cherish my family and my friends more than I can put into words. I am fighting for a balance of providing what my family needs and experiencing all of the moments and joys of life that we should. It is not an easy balance. I have to remind myself regularly what is truly important in life. I have begun to question things that I previously accepted as "just the way it is". Why do happiness and satisfaction often come in second to the rat race of our days? Why do we care for ourselves, our minds and our bodies only as it becomes a requirement? Why does it feel a luxury to roll on the floor laughing with our children? Why is it a burden to "fit" a couples night in for a husband and wife? Why is it such a challenge to schedule and drive four hours for a weekend with loved ones? Why do we allow these things to accept second place? Why are we programmed this way? I have learned to value more that ever our right and our ability to question these things, to alter our path and create a life for ourselves each and every day. I am far from answering or remedying all of these questions, but I am determined to no longer accept things as "just the way it is" when it is not the way it should be. I am working to make these things "the way it should be".

Mom, every day that I see you, hear your voice, listen to you laugh, or see your smile is a gift. It is a gift that you continue to give to me daily. These are gifts that my wife, children and all of my family give to me daily. This week, a year ago, there was a hole in my heart. It was by far one of the worst weeks of my life with everything that happened in our family. Today is new. That hole is filled with love, hope, inspiration and a burning desire to enjoy the little moments and the treasures that they are in our lives.

Thank you Mom, all of my family and all of my friends for continuing to teach me these important lessons. I am a happier and I hope a better man with each lesson I learn from all of you. I still have a lot to learn...so please be patient with me. ;)

All of My Love,

Jason