The future – Mimi and Eunice – from http://mimiandeunice.com/tag/the-future/
Over the weekend I was watching ABC News and saw that many of the anchors and pundits had recorded short, :15 second, teasers going into – and coming out of – commercial breaks. These clips opined what news stories, events or even people made a significant impact in 2014. They were small reminders of some of the biggest stories of the year.
One mentioned the NFL and the Ray Rice scandal; putting a big spotlight on domestic abuse in this country.
Another brought up the Ferguson, Missouri riots with the reminder that despite what a lot of people may have thought, racism – or at the very least the perceived existence of inequality – continues to be a large problem.
(On a side note, I got into a brief argument with someone on social media who truly believes that Ferguson was the proverbial tipping point with race relations in the U.S. and that now society will finally begin righting the wrongs and that racism will cease to exist within our lifetimes. I disagreed, though I hope to be proven wrong some day.)
There was the impact of the Pope and how he’s trying to make the Catholic church more inclusive. The wave of stories about rape on college campuses. And the always-present gun control debates most often spurred on by tragedy.
Of particular interest was the ALS ice bucket challenge. The awareness that challenge brought to ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) was truly immeasurable.
Ebola, the World Cup, Malaysia Flight 370… this list goes on and on.
2014’s impact on me
For those who have read anything posted here in the last year will know that a cross-country move to Arizona tops the list of events that impacted me, personally. In some ways, it’s scary to think that one moment I was in a Chicago suburb – a place I’ve called home for virtually 40+ years – and then next I was on my way to a place a few time zones to the west. It was a move that saw a new job, a new home, better health for my wife and an incredible impact on my twin boys.
My only regret was not doing it sooner.
For me, 2014 seemed to fly by faster than any other time in my life. So fast, in fact, it almost feels impossible to take a moment, to sit back and relax, and to remember all that occurred. Thankfully, pictures, videos and a collection of blogs can assist with that.
Bring on 2015
Looking ahead, no one knows what’s in store for 2015. Predictions and prophecies may provide for a fun debate at the office or in the media, but the reality is we just don’t know.
Time stops for no one and change is inevitable. People will pass, be remembered and forgotten; TV shows will be cancelled and new ones will take their place. Jobs will be had and lost. Technology will make great advances in ways most of us can’t even imagine.
As for everything else, buckle up and try to enjoy the ride because as Ben Franklin once said,
“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”
Meaning: you only get one shot at this – be it 2014, 2015 or life in general – and when it’s over, there are no do-overs and there certainly is no way to anticipate what will happen.
Think back: of everything that happened this past year, what story or event do you feel impacted our lives (or even your own life) the most in 2014?
Lots of goodness Mike! A new grandson! That’s the best! A new shoulder! No more photography (it sure helped with the bills but I never thought any kind of business very ethical though I tried my best to give a good product. The bottom line was always money and my time is more valuable than that.). Ended 40 years of coaching young men and I loved the thrills that old men like me could have, and funny, I don’t miss it a bit! How lucky is that. I’ve renewed my contact with my nieces and both nephews! How their mother would be proud of them. And the best of course is my growing love for my wife!
The future? Two new knees, perhaps retirement in a year or two, the wedding of my son to a fine young lady, and watching my son become a great father, hard worker, and growing into everything I always hoped he would become.
Thanks for making me think of all the good in my life. I am so lucky. Happy New Year! Uncle jim
For you, indeed – 2014 was a memorable year! And what many people don’t realize – and as you sort of illustrated – you made much of that happiness yourself. A lot of it is a result of the person you are.