The new year is upon us! Twenty Nineteen will be here in just a couple of days. Have you made your new year’s resolutions yet? Will you keep them?

I don’t know if I believe in resolutions around the new year. Maybe because I’ve never kept any I’ve made, and when I think about it, I can’t recall anyone I’ve known keeping theirs either. Yet, I see the new year as a closing of one chapter of my life and the beginning of another.

So, how to handle the new year? What truths will I write into this new chapter of my life? Am I a good enough author to write a way of living, a set of truths, pleasing to God and honorable to the lives of family and friends?

This past year I worked hard at becoming less judgmental but I feel I have failed so I’ll carry that forward. I also tried to be someone who shares what they have but my fear of being taken advantage of prevented me from achieving that goal so I’ll carry that forward. I used to say the Rosary daily but have fallen away from that so I’ll renew my efforts moving into the new year. When I encounter someone being inconsiderate of others, especially me, I mumble unkind words under my breath and think even darker thoughts – I’ll need to stop that. And, there are other things too for me to work on in 2019.

Those are some of the truths I wrote into my 2018 chapter and will work to rewrite in 2019. A new chapter, right?

What are your truths?

I can’t let 2018 close without expressing thanks for the blessings I’ve enjoyed. First and foremost, I have to acknowledge my wife. My wife has always been there for me, even when I was doing horrible, hurtful things. Her love never wavered and through it all she always chose me, and she continues to do so even through these trying times. She is my strength when I am weak, my comforter when I hurt and my confidence builder when I have no belief in myself. Her love endures and in her I place my complete trust. Without her I doubt I’d make it through all I’m experiencing now. I love you my darling.

I have an amazing family.

A mother that provides love and support (including financial) and writes me every single week bringing me some normalcy in a truly abnormal life. Her support of my wife is invaluable, and I don’t know that my mom knows just how meaningful that is because words fail to express what is felt inside. Thank you mom for being you and love you.

I have four adult children who are some of the neatest people I’ve ever known. They are caring and supportive and are there for my wife helping her in so many ways. In some areas they have fulfilled my role in my absence. Family is a priority for them and in this we are all blessed. I wish I could list how each has impacted my wife’s life but that would more than fill another posting here. I love you all and couldn’t be prouder of the people you are.

My sister told me she still sees me as her “big brother” and I guess I’ll always see her as my “little sister.” But, the truth of it is that we’ve become such good friends and the ten years age difference doesn’t mean a thing. How lucky am I? She’s supportive and sharing including keeping me involved with her family’s lives. She comes to visit me and when she’s here we talk non-stop. She’s really a very interesting person and those who have her in their lives are lucky people. And as you all know, she manages this blog and makes it a priority in her life. What more could one ask of a sibling? Thank you sis for your love, support and time. Love you much!

I have a few friends that have stood by me and continue to let me know they believe in me. They write regularly and feed me books and magazines. They don’t judge me by my crime but instead by my character. They see in me things I cannot and they’re there to remind me I have worth to the wider world. We all need people like this in our lives. You’re all wonderful and I thank you all for your support and caring ways.

Last, but not least, I have God. He is a constant source of strength and comfort for me. Knowing He loved me enough that He sacrificed His only Son so that I could have a loving relationship with Him, and the chance for eternal life is humbling beyond words. To think that a sinner like me can be redeemed and have a life after this one that is eternal and in His house is amazing. “Thank you” falls far short of what I should say for this, yet I know no other words. I love you God.

Well, this brings this posting to an end. I truly hope everyone reading this has a very Happy New Year. I hope you all write a new chapter in your lives filled with wonderful truths.

Many blessings.

~jdoe