EPTIt's ironic that in the year in which there was much hype regarding prophecies of misunderstood ancient cultures of an impending apocalypse that 2012 came to me with some of the most trying experiences of my life. In many ways, the Mayans were right, events took place within this year that will forever change how I live my life, an era of small proportions has shifted hands and I can only look forward from here.
It was in this year that I had to say goodbye to the two most important women that will ever be a part of my life. First was my Grandmother Beatrice, who passed away at 93 after a long fought battle with Cancer and other ailments. Her passing a reminder of the inevitability of life, that even the strongest amongst us will eventually perish to leave our legacies behind. As I say that, I can assure anyone reading this that my Grandmother exemplified everything that it could ever mean to be a strong person of character and principle. The lessons I've learned from her have shaped who I am today and the kind of person I hope to become one day.
The other woman I've had to say goodbye to was my Mother, Sylvia. A woman of similar strength to her mother Beatrice who passed away after long fought battles with addiction, depression and anxiety. Not a day goes by that I do not think of not only her life, but also what her passing means to me as a man now forced to face the world without my cradle in which I was born.
In many ways, I long for 2013 as it marks the end of one of the toughest years of my life. But at the same time, I am afraid to look over that hill not knowing what is waiting for me on the other side. I have lived through tests that I never thought I'd ever have to face and I faced them back to back and came out alive on the other side. Now what? What's next for me? These are the sorts of questions that race through my mind going forward.
I begin a new chapter in my life, with challenges and rewards that are as of yet unknown to me. All I do know is that I am entering this chapter wiser, and stronger than I entered into 2012 with. Bring on whatever 2013 is going to bring! I am ready.
