Loss.

The yearly Martin Luther King celebration was this past week. On this day, I always reflect on his many famous words. But this year, one of his quotes really struck a cord and filled me with so much sadness. This past year has been the most trying of my life. I lost so much. My job. My reputation. My sense of who I am and what I will become. But the biggest loss by far? My friends. Many who I've known for half my life just disappeared one day and never came back. I know many feel betrayed and fearful. Or maybe, they've just moved on. I wait and I hope for the silence to end.
The hard season won't last forever.

90.

My mom is my hero. Like my father and the namesake of this blog, she has lived her 90 years full of life, love and compassion. No matter what, she has always been there for me and believed in me. Like she said at the outset of this incredibly difficult year: "Joe, you and your God know the truth. That's all that matters." I'm lucky to have married someone who also believes in me - unconditionally. What better gift? There isn't one. Happy birthday, mom. I love you.