I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this last year’s events and express thankfulness. I feel an attitude of gratitude enhances our lives and makes them more worthwhile. Experiences, people, and things in my life that make me want to strive to do better; this gets me out of bed in the morning:
- My wife Stephanie, she is my confidante, best friend and partner for over nine years. This last year she gave birth to our third child, Boston Evans. It was not an easy birthing experience. As I look back on that entire event, I am still amazed at her dedication and determination during the tough times of being a mom. She is a wonderful mother to our three children.
- Our three children, I continue to learn so much from them. They are truly a reminder of what this life is really about.
- Brighton, our 7 year old is such a good kid. He’s in first grade now, he takes good care of his mother when I am away working. I am grateful for the fun times we have together playing with remote control cars, Legos, and spending time together.
- Boston is just over a year old now, because I have matured over the years- I regrettably now see the tender little things that Boston does that I missed with the other two kids while I was a young father. I am grateful and thankful for these special moments.
- I am grateful for a loving family, even though we’ve only been home once since we moved. Although we’ve had many visitors out here in San Diego over the last year which has been a lot of fun. We’ve had my Grandma and Grandpa; Joan & Hugh Evans out on a couple occasions and those tender experiences are indelible.
- I am grateful for the challenges in my life, both personally and professionally. These adversities have forced me to grow exponentially, while the last year hasn’t been easy; it has forced me outside of my comfort zone and made me think about what is really important in my life, and what is not. I’ve realized there are a lot of things in my life that need realignment.
- My 11+ year military career; the Marine Corps has been very good to me. They’ve taken great care of my family financially and the work has been truly rewarding. I feel continuing down this path will be a roadblock to be the Husband and father I want to become.
That means I need to change, it’s not going to be easy but I know it will be worth it.
- Lastly, I am grateful for friends and family. I’ve realized that my friends and family have been better to me than I have to them. I love you all and I’m grateful for you in my life, and I promise I will do a better job of being a husband, father, a friend, and member of our family.