The End

Sometimes it's hard to see the sunshine through the clouds. Sometimes you feel the sun will never shine again. You try so hard to be positive and smile. You try to put on the facade of a happy life and move forward through the day to day.  Sometimes you just feel like you want it all to end.  Sometimes it seems like ending it all would be best for everyone. You are not usually this negative, but lately bitterness is taking over the heart and you don't think you can go on.  Please know the end is not the solution. The end is really just the beginning of the next, more important chapter in your life.

We never know what lies ahead.  We can plan and dream, but we can never be certain what tomorrow holds.  As we seek to find out our future, we sometimes stumble over our own hopes and fears, crashing as we go.  The sad thing is that it is hard to see the positives you encounter while your eyes are clouded by the stinging pain of disappointment and heartache.

As one year closes (365 days of life and living) and a new year begins, how do we move forward on our own when we have been so shielded and protected by others along the way?  We must realize we are not alone.  We are never alone.  There is always someone waiting to be there for us,  We may not have the person or people we once had in our lives making us happy and protecting us, but we do have support and encouragement from others we may not have noticed for a while. Recognizing our new paths will take time and positive thinking, but we can achieve our ultimate goals and reach our dream heights.

As the end of one chapter arrives look forward to whatever lies ahead.   Be cautious, but hopeful.  Be anxious, but don't worry.  Don't give up on your hopes and dreams, rewrite them for your new circumstances and look ahead with optimism as you prepare yourself for the next chapter and write it from the heart as you move yourself onward and upward.

I am ready to rewrite my hopes and dreams to fit my new reality. I am ready to begin writing the next chapter, the best chapter yet to be written.  Join me and be a part of the move forward into the new year and a more hopeful time.

And The Tears Begin To Fall

 

 

As I sit and ponder what this life means

I try to make sense of it all

I find myself visualizing my life's scenes

And the tears begin to fall

 

As I sit and reflect the things of my past

I try to see what all I can recall

I find myself trying to hold emotionally fast

And the tears begin to fall

 

As I talk to myself and try to come up with a plan

I try to make sure there is nothing to stall

I find myself arguing with myself as a man

And the tears begin to fall

 

As I face my journey and take my next step

I try to determine the call

I find myself laughing as I begin the prep

And the tears begin to fall

 

As I look at my life and strive for a peak

I try to search as far down life's hall

I find myself not sure what I seek

And the tears begin to fall

 

As I close out this chapter of my life

I try to make sure I don't bawl

I find myself turning from the strife

And the tears begin to fall

 

As I make myself laugh to cover the sad

I try to pack myself up for the haul

I find myself trying not to be mad

And the tears begin to fall

 

As I turn down the sheets and prepare to sleep

I pray for the Lord to hear the call

I find myself weary as I weep

And the tears begin to fall

 

As I say my prayers and drift into the night

I look for guidance to help me stand tall

I find myself ready for the pending fight

And the tears begin to fall

 

As the tears begin to fall

It is not for lack of  love

But for knowing that through everything I encounter

I have the strength to make it thanks to GOD above.

 

 

Thanksgiving Reflections From Afar

Today, I write from my personal retreat.  I have been gone from home since Monday morning as a way to do some soul searching and relocating of self.  I have made this retreat of my own free will in order to pull myself out of the slump I have been in.  This is intended as a “therapeutic” retreat and it has opened my eyes to much that I seemed to be neglecting or taking for granted in my daily life.  Let me see if I can showcase some of my most enlightening revelations since I arrived here and started the process.

1)      I am so thankful for the amazing support from my family and friends, who have not questioned my need for escape.  Any who knew I was leaving or who have since discovered my absence have been nothing but supportive and encouraging for my healing process.  I am thankful for those who have opened their homes and hearts to me during this time as I seek to find my missing self.  I cannot tell you enough how much your kindness and willingness to allow me in mean to me. You may never know the impact of your generosity on my personal re-discovery.

2)      I have to say I am thankful for my two amazing children.  My boys are wise beyond their years, and more knowledgeable than most adults in situations of life.  However, they are also too involved in adult situations and they need to step back and let adults work out these situations and be the amazing kids they are.  When I came out to my children in the beginning, I knew I was blessed when there was total understanding on their part of my life and the life we would not have because of my lifestyle.   In the years since they have been so supportive of my relationship and anything we ask of them.  They have been through a great deal as 13 year old boys with a gay father who has a younger partner, but they have taken every day in stride and never question what makes us happy.  I have taken their love and knowledge of love for granted.  As I sit here, I wish I had given more validity to their thoughts and feelings as they might have taken me out of my rut before now.

3)      I am so thankful for my amazing partner.  We have had our ups and downs, but we are one another’s best friend and we will always be.  He has been my rock and I have taken his strength for granted instead of thanking him for being the reason I wake up each day and reason I dream at night.  Together we are a strong unit, but that does not mean we are heading down the aisle or into the world of wedded bliss.  We are each searching ourselves to see where the future will lead us as we take this life day by day.  I am thankful for his existence in my life, for all that he provides me mentally and physically as our relationship has grown over the past three years.  Our life may or may not always have us together as “life partners”, but we do know we will always be a part of each other’s lives. 

4)      I am thankful for the family of my partner, who have become the most supportive and encouraging family to me.  They provide for everyone as their own, and they show love to my boys as if they were their own family.  We have come into their lives and they have all accepted us as if we were always part of their lives and always will be. 

5)      As I reflect on my life, I turn to my parents’ impact. Mom and Dad have not always had the smoothest road together, but they have stayed with one another for 44 years in January.  They have always been there when needed, and I recognize how much I have taken their love and support for granted.  I am thankful that they have never turned away from me during my life’s ever changing events. They hurt when I hurt and they cry when I cry.  They tell me when I need to wake up and when I need to take control of things and be strong.  They love me for who I am and stand beside me no matter what life brings my way.

I am finding myself more relaxed than I have been in months, and my mind more clear as well.  I am thankful that the life I have has given me so much and so many to be thankful for each day.  I know my life will not always be easy, and things will not always work out the way I want, but they will work out and I will continue to be blessed by those who are a part of it.  We can never be sure of what the future holds for us, but we must realize that there is a future for us and we need to take one day at a time and seek the best self we can.

As I prepare myself to return home in the coming days, I prepare to return with a clear mind and a more confident sense of self.  I know who I am.  I know that I am a strong man with loving and supportive family and friends.  I know that, no matter what life throws at me, I will rise to the occasion and stand up for me.  I will rise above any who try to hold me down and I will make my life the best I can for me.  I am not being selfish with this statement.  I am being self-confident and ready to take the next day with peace, tranquility, and self-preservation.  I am ready to be me again and do whatever it takes to never lose myself again.

 

INDIANA HAS IT ALL WRONG

Governor Pence and the Indiana Legislature are hopeful that House Joint Resolution 6 will make it through 2013 and be on the November ballot in 2014. This "resolution", known as the Indiana Marriage Discrimination Amendment, will have major implications to Indiana's citizens.  This amendment will not only affect the same sex couples who have committed themselves to one another, it will also have major implications on their children.  Just as same sex couples are seeing great strides across the country when it comes to equality for all, Indiana is growing ever closer to earning the reputation of the backwoods brother in the fight for equal rights for all citizens.

First, let's take a look at HJR6, what it says, and how it will negatively affect Indian's LGBT community.   It has already passed through the House and Senate, and is on track to become the first time in Indiana’s history when our constitution is amended to take away rights rather than to grant them.  The exact wording of the resolution is, "Only a marriage between one (1) man and one (1) woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Indiana. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized."

Once passing through the Indiana House and Senate again in 2013, this Amendment would have a dramatic effect on gay and lesbian relationships in the state by potentially...

• Preventing any future attempts to allow for same-sex marriage
• Eliminating health care benefits for same-sex partnerships
• Eliminating legally binding documents for same-sex couples that are “substantially similar to marriage” such as wills and trusts
• Eliminating inheritance laws from being applied to same-sex couples
• Eliminating hospital visitation rights

It will also have negative financial implications on the state's economy by potentially...

• Deterring major companies from breaking ground in the state
• Causing current businesses to relocate to equality supportive states
• Forcing LGBT citizens to relocate to these same equality supportive states.

This amendment will ruin lives, destroy families, cause economic crisis, and set the Hoosier state back hundreds of years. 

 

 

After the SCOTUS rulings on DOMA and Prop 8,

Indiana House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) issued the following statement in response:

 

“I am disappointed the federal Defense of Marriage Act has been overturned. I am certainly pleased the Supreme Court has confirmed each state’s right to address the legal issue of what constitutes one of the most important institutions in our society.

“The members of the General Assembly will be fully equipped to address the issue of the constitutional amendment in the coming legislative session, and with today’s decision, I am confident the matter will come before the General Assembly and ultimately be placed on a referenda ballot for voter consideration. As they have in 30 other states, Hoosiers should have the right to speak on this issue.”

This is why we must be involved and active in making sure our government understands fully the repercussions of their actions. This is not about same sex marriage. This is about equality and equal treatment for ALL families in our state and across the nation. It is time for those on the wrong side of history to step aside and let history take its rightful course.   We must stand up, all of us in the LGBT community and our heterosexual supporters.  We must push this issue to its destined end, and see that it never makes it to the 2014 ballot.  If, in the worst case sceario, it does make it to that phase, we must advocate againt its passage. 

Check out the Nix 6 Grassroots movement at https://www.facebook.com/Nix6March and join the fight against HJR6 and stand on the right side of history as we strike down this potential amendment and the negativity it would rain on our LGBT friends and neighbors. 






"We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created equal."  It is time for ALL citizens to be treated with the same rights, equal protections, and desired happiness of life.  Please do not sit back and think that someone else will take care of making sure this happens for Hoosiers.  You have to be that "someone else" and make your position known as you stand on the side of history that will afford all of these equalities for Indiana's LGBT citizens.  We all have the right to equal protections and equal treatments.  Let's ALL stand up and see that Indiana moves to the RIGHT side of History.

The videos below are two songs that emphasize the importance of equality and the dreams for Equality shared by the LGBT community, their families, friends, and loved ones. 

We Have The Right - Samia

 

Same Love - Macklemore

 

 

CELEBRATE EQUALITY? HARD TO DO IN INDIANA!

Yes, I am extremely happy to be standing on the right side of history today, but forgive me if my celebration is short lived.  While I am happy for my LGBT community and brothers and sisters in states that have passed marriage equality laws, I happen to reside in Indiana.  Indiana, where on the very day of SCOTUS rulings striking down DOMA and throwing out California's Prop 8, Governor Mike Pence released a statement praising SCOTUS.  He did not praise them for their votes "for" equality, but for their decision to uphold individial states' rights to determine their own course on the "issue" of marriage equality.

Governor Pence issued the following statement with regard to the United States

Supreme Court decisions in U.S. v. Windsor and Hollingsworth v. Perry.

 

“I believe marriage is the union between a man and a woman and is a unique institution worth defending in our state and nation. For thousands of years, marriage has served as the glue that holds families and societies together and so it should ever be.

 

While I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has overturned the federal Defense of Marriage Act, I am grateful that today's decisions respect the sovereignty of states on this important issue. These decisions preserve the duty and obligation of the states to define and administer marriage as they see fit.

 

Now that the Supreme Court has had its say on the federal government’s role in defining marriage, the people of Indiana should have their say about how marriage is understood and defined in our state.

 

Given that opportunity, I am confident that Hoosiers will reaffirm our commitment to traditional marriage and will consider this important question with civility and respect for the values and dignity of all of the people of our state.

 

I look forward to supporting efforts by members of the Indiana General Assembly to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot for voter consideration next year.”

 

He is "confident" that Hoosiers will "reaffirm our commitment to traditional marriage and will consider this important question with civility and respect for the values of all of the poeple of our state"?  Really,  how can you consider such an issue with "civility" and "respect" "of all the poeple of our our state" when this type of action will have a direct negative effect on a portion of "all the people of our state"?  OUR STATE Mr.  Governor.  Remember it is not just your state, sir.  I am a HOOSIER, born and raised, and I am GAY! This dies not make me any less a citizen of this state. I, and my LGBT brothers and sisters, deserve equal rights as provided by the United States Constitution! It is time!  I plan to continue to stand with my partner and work to see that the equality supported by the Supreme Court of the United States exists for every citizen in every state. 

 

I stand on the side of history that supports equal rights for ALL, not just the few and priviledged.  I stand on the side of history that supports LOVE and the right for all Americans to love a person, not a gender.  When you stand up for your rights because you are proud of who you are and you find love that you want to share "til death do you part", then you should be able to exercise the right to enter into marraige as you wish.  No government entity should be able to stifle the rights of any group based on the "religious" beliefs of the individual members who make up that entity.  Elected officials have a right to their constituency, but they also have a responsibity to uphold legal constitutional rights and the equal treatment of all under any laws they should enact.  I am proud to stand on the "right side" of history today, I just hope that I continue to stand on this side while residing in my home state in the future.

 

PLEASE, if you have any leaning toward making a statement on this issue, do it.  Contact legislators, write letters, sign petitions, make your voice heard, and show where you stand.  History is continuing to be made daily, what side will you be on when your time is through.  For my family, my friends, and my fellow Hoosiers I will continue to stand for equality and love for ALL!

 

 

SCOTUS EVE

On this eve of the final day of the SCOTUS (Supreme Court Of The United States) session, I am filled with cautious optimism and anxiety.  Not because I expect any wide sweeping rulings on behalf of equality, but because any step toward equality through rulings on these two cases is a positive step for equality for all.  California's Prop 8 and U.S. DOMA are both landmark cases for even being heard by the justices.  Now we await the 9 opinions that (at this time) matter most.  

The justices of the court will rule based on their "interpretations" of the US Constitution and the constitutionality of the cases before them.  The LGBT community knows what we hope to see from the justices, and we might even have a pretty accurate prediction of what the outcome will be.  However; to say our fate lies in the hands of these 9 justices, is not accurate.  It fate lies in the determination we have as a community to stand up for one another and continue to push the envelope until equality is something text books define as the "equal treatment of ALL citizens despite any difference in creed, race, religion, or orientation.  



 12 year old son shared on his Instagram 

 

As we await the "rulings" from SCOTUS, let us join together all LGBT allies, and pledged to continue to stand for equality for all.  Many in the LGBT community have asked continually for supporters to "turn it red" by changing social media profile pictures and posting photos of support.  That is a great way to show support and "unity", but where are our "straight allies"?  Where do they stand in this historical time in history?  Unity means that we stand together with our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight brothers and sisters.  We can be the change we want to see in the world, if we stand TOGETHER to make the change happen.



No, tomorrow may not be the outcome we hope for, but this battle has changed public opinion and increased support for equality for all.  We must not celebrate too much or cry to loudly once the rulings are handed down tomorrow morning. We must instead continue to rise up and rise above.  We must continue to be who we are, love who we choose, and be faithful to the cause of equality for everyone, not just our LGBT community, our particular race, or our chosen religion.  We must stand on the right side of history when the final tide turns and we are all determined to be equal, not only in vision, but also through law! 


"And a certificate on paper

Isn't gonna solve it all

But it's a damn good place to start

No law's gonna change us

We have to change us

Whatever god you believe in

We come from the same one

Strip away the fear

Underneath it's all the same love

About time that we raised up"

from MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS - SAME LOVE 

SAME LOVE VIDEO

TRAGEDY AND THE EXTERMIST RESPONSE

I AM DONE!!  Really, today our country suffered yet another grave tragedy and loss of life and I have to get on here and read the hypocritical bigoted posts from those who want to use this disaster as a means of promoting their severely warped sense of religion.  An eight year old child and two adults were killed in this horrendous event, while countless others have suffered serious and critical injuries.  Instead of just calling for prayer for those affected by the events of the day, the religious extreme has decided to blame everything from "GOD needs to be out back in schools" to "GOD sent the Boston Marathon Bombs to punish Massachusetts for passing the sin of same-sex marriage".  Are these nut jobs serious with this holier than thou hypocrisy?  Do they genuinely believe that GOD would kill an innocent child because the state passed CIVIL legislation regarding same-sex marriage?  This tragedy is another in a long line of tragedies affecting our country, and the crazies have once again proven that they will leave nothing to pass without finding a way to lay "blame" on innocent people. 

Can you seriously support your stance that "if GOD were in our schools" we would not be suffering widespread attacks on our schools?  I think your rationale is flawed. 

The GOD I serve, my lord and savior Jesus Christ said, "Let the children come to me" Matthew 19:14. 

Nowhere in the Bible does it say, "I will punish young innocent children when the church decided to judge others".  Can you show me where, in your warped translation of the Bible, it states that children will pay for the sins of their parents? 

Ezekiel 18:20 says, "The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them."

How dare we allow such tragedies to be made more severe by the constant barrage of the "blame game" of these warped religious extremists.  I am a school teacher, I teach second graders who are 8 years old.  I pray every day, after we recite the Pledge of Allegiance and our school creed, during our daily moment of silence.  GOD is in school.  As long as we have breath in our lungs, prayer will be uttered in our classrooms, and GOD will be ever present within the doors of our educational institutions. 

It is time for our country's citizens to stop looking for someone some belief to blame for tragic events.  It is time we lean on GOD in prayer, and seek the truth through legal means to find the perpetrators of such events and bring them to legal justice.  It is not our place to persecute for the Lord.  GOD will judge all in the final days and then the job will be done. 

 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Matthew 7:1

Until that time, we must return to loving one another, as commanded, and stop judging our fellow man in order to turn and blame their indiscretions for our nation's tragedies.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

WHAT IS EQUALITY?

Let me start by saying how amazingly blessed I feel to have such amazingly supportive and accepting friends and family.  I have become an activist of sorts over the past few years, but those who know me know that I advocate for PUBLIC education in most of my "spare" time.  Occaisionally, I share an LGPT rights post or an equality support post.  Well, today has been a different day.  With the Supreme Court of the United States hearing oral arguments on two key cases this week, it became real to me that equality is not only "on trial", but that it is also gaining support. 

What is equality?  It is something different to everyone, but it should mean equal treatment for everyone.  Today, equality means equal rights and protection under the law.  With the Supreme Court taking up the cases of Proposition 8 and DOMA, it has become apparent that equality for all could be one step closer or it could be set back for a bit longer.  Equality is coming! It is just a matter of time before all Americans will be able to marry the person they love despite gender, race, creed, or religion.  The US Supreme Court could decide this summer to declare laws descriminating based on gender to be unconstitutional. 

As the Supreme Court prepared to hear oral arguments today and tomorrow, supporters of marriage equality began to turn social media pages RED for equality.  As I changed my "profile" picture to the newly reddened equality symbol, I witnessed something amazing.  As friends, family, and friends of friends started to change their own "profile" and "cover" photos, tears began to stream down my face.  Recognizing the amount of support and acceptance from my "small town" friends, I became overwhelmed with emotion and humbled by the outpour of support. 

I know that I flooded social media with many posts, shares, and pictures calling for support for marriage equality, but I never imaigined the huge outpouring of support that would flood my computer screen throughout the day.  I continue to be amazed by the messages, comments, emails, and pictures from my many supportive friends. 

A friend shared this video and again, I was moved to tears as I realized the support for the LGBT community that is being displayed by non-LGBT family and friends.

While the Supreme Court decision (expected sometime in mid-June) may not have an impact on many of them, they still choose to stand behind those of us who will be impacted the most.  We are a nation on the verge of true equality, as expected by our forefathers.  We are one split second away from seeing dreams turn to realities for the LGBT community as a whole nation, not just through individual states. 

I stand with my LGBT family as our "straight" family and friends stand beside us to witness history in the making.  I am proud that my real friends will be on the right side of history when the time comes and all is finally decided.  It may come as early as June 2013 and it may come years from now, but it is coming and we will all share equal rights under the law when all is said and done.

LOVES

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine's Day is a day full of meaning for some and full of dread for others.  As I look at this day, I celebrate the many loves I am thankful for.  This day is about celebrating LOVE, not a specific love. It is not just for celebrating that love you share with your significant other.  It is about the love you share with every special person in your life. 

I celebrate first and foremost the love I have for and from my amazing partner.  We recently celebrated two years together, and are looking forward to many more.  He "completes me" in so many ways.  We have just the right amount mix of common interests and individual interests.  It is wonderful to share the same interests, but it is also amazing teaching and learning about the interests and "obsessions" of others.  I have an obsession and passion for politics and he has a strong love of music and audio equipment.  He is learning to indulge my political rants and ambitions, while I am starting to enjoy heavy bass and the multiple "subs" and "amps" that pass through my life.  It is refreshing to be in a relationship with someone who loves you and accepts your passions as you do theirs.

Next, I celebrate the love of my children.  They have been through much more than most 12 year old boys, yet less than some.  They have shown pure love through acceptance and support. In some things they are mature beyond their years, but they also are amazing children.  They are two of the most loving and accepting pre-teen boys I have ever known, and it is an honor for me to be their father.  I love them for who they are and for who they will become. 

Although strained at times, I have an undying love for my parents.  They brought me into this world and have stood by me through all my many ordeals and shortcomings.  They have always been my "go-to" when everyone else in my life seemed to turn away.  I know there are times they may not understand or agree with me, but they love me through it all and I owe them my undying gratitude for all that they have done and continue to do for me and my family.

My true friends receive the rest of my love.  These people are those who I know I can count on for whatever my needs may be from them, and they the same in return.  I wish everyone could have the loving, supportive, encouraging friends that I have in my life.  These people make me laugh, make me  cry, cheer me up, listen to my venting, and help to keep me calm during life's storms.  It is because of their love and support that I can face the dark days and look toward the light of the future. 

The many loves in my life are what keep me going.  These are the people who give reason for waking in the morning and for staying awake late nights.  I will give all I can for my family and friends, as I know they would do the same for me given the chance.  So, as I look at this Valentine's Day, I do so with the greatest love one can have for another.  I look at this day knowing I am loved by so many, and I have so many to love in return.

Happy Valentine's Day 2013! 

Loves,
Phil

I'M BACK AND YOU'RE AFRAID

Yes, I am back to writing on this blog.  Now, you are afraid once again.  But what exactly are you afraid of? Afraid that I may comment about you on my blog?  I just might, and chances are you might not like it.  Afraid I will write something offensive? This is a good possibility if you find reading about the life of a homosexual male to be offensive. Just remember you can always choose not to read it.  Afraid links to the blog will come across your newsfeed on social media?  I assure you it definitely will, unless you decide to block me from showing up in your newsfeed.  If this is your choice, you are probably also afraid for the other reasons, and you should just block me completely because you are not someone I want associated with my life.

To Be Continued . .  .

TRANSITIONING FROM 2012 TO 2013

So long 2012. What a year this past year was. During the past year, I found myself staring at impending change and taking on new and rewarding challenges. As I look back, I find myself to be happier, stronger, and more in tune with change. The challenges and changes of 2012 have taught me that I am who I am because of where I have been and what I have done in life. I have found love and an amazing partner who supports me daily, I work hard to be involved with my twin sons, I pour my heart into my love for teaching, and I found myself submerged into the life of political activism. I have done more in the past year for myself and the ones I love than I have done in a long while. As 2013 begins, I choose to set my sights on bigger and better things for my future with the ones I love. I will be the best, most supportive partner to the love of my life and live every day to prove how much he means to me. I will strive daily to show my sons how to live life to the fullest without regret, while showing them unconditional love is theirs. I will seek ways to improve education for my children and my students, past and present. I will stretch beyond my comfort zone and take political activism onto new heights as I plan to speak in Washington, DC in April to spread my message nationally. 2012 showed me that I am more than one small voice, but that I am one voice that has the power to move mountains when others share the same vision. As 2012 started, I found myself a bit lost in the world, searching for a purpose. AS 2012 closes out and 2013 makes its grand entrance, I find renewed purpose in my goals and aspirations. I look to this New Year with an optimistic mind and a heart filled with passion for the people I love and the profession I hold dear. 2012 will leave me refreshed and renewed to take on the challenges of my newfound desires and my unending passions. I will take 2013 and love to the fullest as I expand my parameters of comfort and explore new endeavors. I will be all that I can be to show love, compassion, pride, and persistence for my family, friends, and colleagues nationwide. Thank you to everyone who touched me in 2012, to those who have guided me my whole life and those who are new arrivals in my journey. Together we will all accomplish great things personally and professionally as we venture into a new year with renewed strength and conviction. I will miss the loved ones who passed on this year, but I know their love is eternal. My 2013 will be lived in memory of my political heroine, my personal inspiration, my Granny. She taught me politics from an early age, and I am proud to have inherited her desire for political involvement. Granny taught me to know what I want and to go after it, to live with no regrets. I will do that in every way possible this New Year and I hope she looks down with pride as I take on this next challenge and set out to see where a new road may lead.