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At the beginning of 2022, things were so different…

While I wasn’t in perfect health, I believed I was in fair physical shape. Three of my friends were just either a phone call or text away. Lastly, I was in a relationship; the first I’ve had since the beginning of the pandemic.

However, by the end of 2022…

A massive pulmonary embolism nearly killed me and I have some long-term effects as a result. The three friends I mentioned earlier have now crossed over from time to eternity. I am now, for all intents and purposes, single and alone.

I apologize to you all for writing such a dispiriting and self-pitying end-of-the-year post.

On the flip side, there has been a lot of good that has happened in 2022: My podcast/broadcast is prospering, I have a few more dollars in my pocket and I’m eating like a horse, most importantly, I still have my immediate family.

Nonetheless, this year has been one for the books, but I made it. It hasn’t been easy, but I made it. Survivors’ remorse tried to get me down, but I made it. Several medical and personal setbacks tried to stop me, but guess what…I MADE IT!

Educator Dr. Steve Perry posted a tweet about being in a similar, albeit far more critical situation in 2022. The last sentence of his post brought me to tears…

In 2022 I was hospitalized 3 times, one included a stroke & brain surgery. Prior to that I’d been hospitalized once, 36 yrs ago. Work has been challenging, bc selfish ppl do selfish things. Yet, I’d mark 2022 as the best yr yet bc I saw the depth of love that surrounds me.

— Dr. Steve Perry (@DrStevePerry) January 1, 2023

Like the songwriter, Cody Johnson wrote:

“Oh Lord, I can’t even walk without you holding my hand

Oh Lord, I can’t even walk without you holding my hand”

The mountains too high and the valleys too wide

Down on my knees that’s where I learned to stand

As I always say, I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds tomorrow. Thank you all so much for your presence and may you and yours have a blessed and prosperous 2023.