Merry Christmas from Still in the Storm

Welcome to another Still in the Storm Substack post.

Today, I want just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support over the past year.

Christmas is a time for joy and reflection

The end of the year is upon us and it’s all about spending time with family and friends as well as celebrating the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.

I know that I am feeling grateful and very blessed for all I have.

Remembering a great man

Five years ago yesterday (Dec 23, 2018) I watched my Dad take his last breath.

It was less than a month after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

We know that our parents won’t live forever and that one day we will have to say goodbye but we will never be prepared when it happens.

Forever is such a long time.

It was a devastating loss as I had a challenging childhood.

I think about him every day.

Today, I want to remember him for the man and father that he was.

He was very reserved and didn’t like talking about himself so I never really knew much about his past.

However, following his passing there was an incredible outpouring of love and appreciation for him.

Friendships spanning 50 years or more.

Turns out he had an amazing knack for helping and bringing out the best in others.

He would strike up conversations with total strangers and just ask them how they were doing, if he could help them.

A level of humility that is rare these days, to put the needs of others first.

I was crushed by losing him, especially this time of year as he loved it.

However, in some ways it seems fitting.

I pray for all those who have lost loved ones to cancer as well as those battling.

May you find peace and comfort.

I love you, Dad.

Hope and Optimism for 2024

Despite the bleak outlook and the unexpected twists that likely await us, I’m doing my best to remain hopeful and optimistic about what the new year will bring.

Here in the USA, it’s another big election year so, buckle up.

But, we can’t allow ourselves to get caught up in the latest news and speculation.

We can’t allow ourselves to be led by fear.

Stay in the light and out of the darkness.

Don’t ever give up.

Wishing you the very best

Before I sign off for 2023 I just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Treasure the moments you have with your loved ones.

The time goes by all too fast.

Let me know how you’re planning to celebrate in the comments below.

Thank you and God bless,

Mike

---

Do you know someone who could benefit from this?

If you find the information in these articles valuable, we would be grateful for your help to get it to those who could most benefit. 

Just click the button below to share and restack today’s post!

Get notified when new posts go live!

Lastly, to be notified as soon as a new post is live go ahead and subscribe to Still in the Storm by clicking the button below.