As I look through social media and see the varying experiences of 2024, I reflect on my own experience. 2024 was a good year for the Sanford crew. The family spent a lot of great time together and Krisi and I got to see the kiddos grow individually in many ways. The biggest blessing is that we were together. As Krisi and I were watching the Longhorns barely beat ASU in double overtime in the NCAA football playoffs, the commentators discussed the terror attack on New Orleans. Our oldest daughter, Cassidy, was just there with her friends two days prior. My heart sank at the thought of the 15 families that lost loved ones senselessly to some radicalized degenerate that ran his truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street for the sole purpose of the destruction of innocent human life. It stirs a fire in me that these hate-filled groups exist and walk among us. These 15 families will live the remainder of their existence on this earth with an overwhelming sense of loss. Living in the borderland between melancholy and happiness because a piece of them is frozen in time. I reached out to Cassidy because I needed to see her text response. There it was. She's alright. That was a close one.
Hug your loved ones. Never take their presence for granted. Talk to them and spend time with them. Put your phone on the charger and have conversations. Love people and let them know exactly how much you love them. I hope your year was a great one and I hope blue skies define your 2025. Love you all!