For many years now I have wanted to write. I've thought about writing about my experiences. And sometimes about writing about wonderful people who have been significant in my life. This morning before 6:00 am I turned on my laptop and Mandy had just added to her blog http://tomyfutureknight.blogspot.com/2012/11/how-far-youve-come-not-how-far-you-have.html.
So, here goes my first attempt at published writing on the internet.
To start this Optimistic Blog, a good place to start is this incredible young woman, mother, sister, friend, cousin, niece, grandaughter, (someday, grandmother), but in my blog most important daughter.
By the way, she is the only daughter I have. Although there are some who may call me their adopted father. And I cherish those adopted daughters as well. In my next Blog I'll introduce another special person in my life, an incredible young man, father, brother, friend, nephew, grandson, (someday, grandfather), but in that blog article most important son.
Mandy (Amanda), was born January 10th, 1979 and weighed in at a very healthy 8+ pounds.
She was beautiful. She is still beautiful. Both inside and out. For today I will just say that over the years she has made me very proud, has scared me near to death, has cost a lot (worth every cent), and has been an inspiring example of overcoming the challenges we all face in life. Along the way she has been friends with people from all walks of life, rich, poor, black, white, American, Non-American, even people with alternate life styles. She has used the Saviour's admonition to not judge a person, but to get to know them as individuals and not as a label. As I watch this new journey she has embarked upon since getting her Master's in Mass Communications, I am in awe of what she is learning about herself. This inspires me to embark on my next part of my journey in this beautiful world we all have been blessed to inherit.
Right now, I am in the process of making very important decisions that will affect the rest of my life.
Retirement. Having been blessed to enjoy ALL the work I have done in my life, the last 20 years have been the very best. I have not made tons of money. I have not become the best at my career by some measures of success. However, at the age of 59 I passed a most difficult exam, after several years of study and was among only approximately 55% of those who passed that year in 2006, and on my first try. What a journey this career has been. Difficult in many ways, and yet so satisfying in being able to help people with their finances and making an impact on whole families and their futures. The very best part is all my many new friends that I have acquired over these years.
Many are and were clients, many are and were co-workers. Some have died, and that has hurt.
Friends have always been important to me as well as the wonderful family I am part of. Over the years I have, as much as possible tried to keep in touch with many friends and family. As part of this new journey, starting sometime after my 66th birthday celebration on January 30th 2013, I am looking forward to making more time to keep in touch with ALL who have been so dear to me.
At the same time, as long as I am capable and doing a good job for our clients, my plans also include continuing as a Metlife Financial Services Representative through a retiree's contract.
So A New Optimistic Journey Begins ..............
