I hope that all who read this blog have a Happy and Merry Christmas! Take the time to appreciate your family and friends and all the blessings in your life.

Death is a hard subject to talk about and a hard thing to process. Particularly, when it is unexpected or comes too early. It is difficult to know how to comfort loved ones or to know how to move forward. After the initial shock and pain, there is a void that seems to always exist.

Approaching 60 usually means you struggle to put anything on your Christmas list. When family asks you “what do you want for Christmas” it is usually a struggle to come up with anything that you really want or need.

Nikki and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this past Wednesday with a simple dinner together at our favorite spot, the House of Wines.

During this time of year, we should all take stock of the people in our lives that we are thankful for. For me, many of those are obvious. I am so thankful for my amazing wife and incredible children. I could not ask for more.

The retreat was held at Evins Mill in Smithburg, Tennessee. A beautiful rustic retreat that lent to calm reflection and no interruptions.

Veterans Day is tomorrow. A day to honor those that have served in order for us to live in the greatest country in the world. To enjoy the freedoms that we take for granted.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

“Grandchildren give us a second chance to do things better because they bring out the best in us.”

This week has been a whirlwind for sure. We left Monday morning for a noon meeting in Petersburg, WV and then to the North Fork Mountain Inn located on Smoke Hole Road, not far from Seneca Rocks.

My relationship with my mom was a little more complicated and one that I have grown to appreciate more as I have gotten older.

I was young and I didn't know what to do when I saw your best steps stolen away from you.

Now I'll do what I can. I'll walk like a man.

“It's funny how it's the little things in life that mean the most. Not where you live, what you drive, or the price tag on your clothes There's no dollar sign on peace of mind .This I've come to know. “

As most people know, I love to play golf. I love it for a variety of reasons. I love being outdoors in beautiful places. I love the competition. I love how golf tests you as much mentally as it does physically. But the thing I love the most about golf is how it brings people together.

One song that has always resonated with me is Leader of the Band by Dan Fogelberg. It is a tribute to his father that hits home with me in a deep and personal way.

One of the more difficult lessons that I have learned over time is that things don’t always go the way you would have hoped. Even the best laid plans can sometimes lead down a dead end street.

Today marks my 35th blog post in a row. The time has flown by quickly as I approach one year of sharing thoughts and experiences. I am so appreciative of all the nice comments I have received from so many people. These messages of kindness mean a lot to me.

I learned a lot about business and writing from my dear friend Hannah Paramore Breen. I worked for Hannah for three years and grew to admire her business sense and writing style.

Lea heads back to Ohio University on Sunday to begin her senior year. Emmy moved to Florida a month ago, so Nikki and I will be empty nesters again next week.

Nikki and I set out on a journey westward to see the country and to see people we love and enjoy.