“May you be blessed with the spirit of the season which is peace; the gladness of the season which is hope; and the heart of the season which is love.”
Last December, I turned 30 thus inspiring 2018 as my first year of #Adventures30. And adventure I did! I skydived from 13,000 feet, took a ride in a hot air balloon, moved to beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado, bought a second home, threw the first pitch at a Colorado Sky Sox baseball game, learned to paddleboard, visited Washington state for the first time, hiked many Colorado hotspots including the Manitou Incline, Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, the Royal Arch Trail in Boulder, and the Royal Gorge in Canon City. My co-workers and I even crazily hiked a 14er up Pike’s Peak! My best friend and I biked DOWN Pike’s Peak—an adrenaline rush that thankfully excluded the altitude sickness I experienced hiking up the dreaded mountain. I ziplined across the Royal Gorge. I even got to see Colorado Springs from the air when I took a flight lesson in a weight shift control aircraft—the American made Revo. Life is short—live without fear!
Backtracking a little, I began the year in Oklahoma, graduating the Air Defense Captain’s Career Course in April. From there, I packed the kitties back into the car—much to their vexation—and we road tripped to majestic Colorado. Lexi dog stayed with a wonderful family in Wichita Falls, Texas where she is thriving—loved and cared for by a sweet young boy and his parents. They give her far more than I ever could.
In July, I reunited with my siblings in Virginia for our cousin’s wedding. It was the first time in NINE years that ALL SIX of us were together. An absolutely incredible weekend of priceless memories.
Colorado is by far one of the most gorgeous states I have ever had the privilege of living. What is not so grand about this state, however, are its hailstorms. Golf ball sized hail totaled my vehicle in August. I was grateful not to be driving when it occurred. My new vehicle—appropriately named “Hailey”, and I are getting along splendidly.
In September, I celebrated my six-year anniversary of signing the dotted line and shared with everyone that it would be the last anniversary I commemorate on active duty. I am transitioning to the Reserve component in the spring. I was accepted into the Cameron Brooks Junior Military Officer Recruiting Firm in May and have been steadfastly working and preparing for their January 2019 Career Conference. Additionally, in January, I will begin my MBA at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. I am excited for this change and immensely grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded by the United States Army.
At the end of September, I had eye surgery—Pterygium Excision with Conjunctival Autograft. Not fun, but worth it. Many of you saw my social media post regarding the procedure. Please, again, I implore you to practice sun safety for your eyes the same way you do for your skin. Wear a hat; wear quality, UV protection, wrap around, polarized sunglasses when you are outside at all times. PUT HATS AND SUNGLASSES ON YOUR CHILDREN! When I asked the doctor what I could do to prevent a future procedure, he sadly informed me that I couldn’t – “Unfortunately, the damage to your eyes was done on a cellular level in your formative years. Nothing you do now, to include wearing sunglasses, will prevent future damage outside of never stepping foot outdoors.” We take gifts like our eyesight for granted until there is something wrong. Don’t take your vision, or any other part of your body for that matter, for granted. Take care of yourself and your children.
Just as any year is full of joys, there are usually sufferings intertwined. My best friend of 17 years lost his father in August. It is tough seeing someone you love endure such a sorrow. I had very fond memories myself of Greg Walker; and I am immeasurably grateful for the son he raised that was meant to be my best friend in this life. In October of this year, my father’s wife, Sandy, lost her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Her remission was short lived when recurrence occurred in April followed by a stroke in May. She fought admirably until the end. It is in these losses that we cultivate gratitude for the time we had with them and seek personal growth. A lot of life is just a matter of stops and starts; but in each, we grow. A character in the opera, Nabucco, said, “Lord, give us the courage to endure suffering.” The character does not say, “Lord, do not give us any suffering.” I ask that you keep the Walker family and my father in your prayers this season as they experience a different kind of holiday this year; pray that their heavy burdens be lightened, and their resolves strengthened.
I believe that pain and joy are located next to each other in our hearts—to be open to one, you must be open to the other. Let the spirits of peace and love gently fill your hearts and homes this season. Be open to joy; spread smiles across the miles; remember the reason for the season. Cheeto, Stormy and I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas from the snowcapped mountains of Colorado! May you find many reasons for happiness in 2019. God bless!