Jamie Chambers

Christmas Thoughts in 2008

2008 Christmas Card

The topsy-turvy year of 2008 is almost to an end. This has been a year of all kinds of change, ridiculous levels of stress, and anticipation for new things to come. I’ve stumbled, triumphed, experienced regret, endured painful loss, yet made some great new friends.

Instead of putting you to sleep with all kinds of detail, I’m just simply going to say that I’m grateful that this roller-coaster year is almost to an end. I’m so very thankful for the many wonderful people in my life—including my wonderful family, fantastic friends both old and new, and even the loyal dog that lays at my feet while I write. If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be able to survive the rough times to enjoy the good.

This first Christmas without my Dad has been hard. When I call down to Georgia soon I still want him to answer the phone. But I have thirty-three Christmases with him to remember, and thanks to the army of friends and family out there to support me I’ve made it through without getting too sad.

I’m looking forward to a 2009 in which I work both harder and smarter, avoiding more of the bad and savoring as much of the good as possible. I’m going to reconnect with old friends, get to know my new ones even better, and maybe even make a few more along the way. Let’s see if I can get healthier, wealthier, and a touch wiser as I go.

Thank you … all of you. I wouldn’t be here without you. Happy Holidays, and enjoy a wonderful new year.