Well, it's been another year, and a lot has happened since last we updated. To track some of the highlights, Fidel Castro has died, the Cubs won the World Series, and Donald Trump was elected President of the United States. Clearly, Hell has at least started to freeze over. Therein lies the reason for the somewhat cryptic title to this year's edition. In any event, here goes:
We'll start with Geno. This fun little man is now seven years old, and he's enjoying his transition to second grade. To be honest, Geno hasn't changed a great deal. He's still extremely kind and affectionate. It's hard for any of his family members or closest friends to go more than a few minutes without having Geno offer a hug and an affirmation of his love for them. Most of us find it quite endearing. Mary...well, let's just say that she's the exception. In any event, when he's not giving love, Geno can usually be found playing with his many toys or listening to music and dancing. Yes, he still loves to dance, and he gets better at it all of the time!
Moving on to Mary, she is another year older, brighter, and sassier. She truly is an amazing young girl. Her current list of interests include softball, dance, reading, and writing. I know that all parents brag on their children, but she truly is pretty good at all of those activities. In fact, she's pretty good at just about everything that she does. Her only Kryptonite is her brother. While she is fairly kind and accepting to most people, like many big sisters, she's pretty hard on her little brother. Still, when you get down to it, she truly does care about him even if she won't admit it. While Angie and I wish she would be a little kinder to Geno, maybe it's for the best. Both of these kids are highly intelligent; once they find out that they'd be twice as powerful if they team up, Angie and I could be in trouble!
As for Angie, she continues to teach at Kankakee High School. In addition to teaching, she has helped good friend Deena Cassady produce and direct some amazing dramatic performances at KHS, she's developed her skills and undertaken a successful side business as a professional photographer, and she completed another Susan G. Komen 60-mile walk to support breast cancer research. Simply put, there is nothing she can't do if she puts her mind to it. I've known a lot of amazing people, but Angie is truly one of a kind, and she's proven that over and over again in 2016.
Lastly, there's me. Other than my appearance - I trimmed the obnoxious goatee and grew my hair back out - not much has changed with me in the past year. I'm still teaching English and coaching softball at Central High School in Clifton. Both positions require a lot of patience, but they can be quite rewarding at the same time. When not working or hanging with the family, I can still be found working out, bowling, or playing softball. I think I said the exact same thing last year, but it's still true, so why try to make it sound fancier than it is? What can I say? I'm a simple man with simple pleasures.
As a family, we experienced a lot of highs this past year, including Mary's great softball season, the kids' outstanding performances in Seussical Jr, and our family vacation to Branson, which allowed us to watch great shows, do some ziplining, and see some amazing sights. Sadly, there were also so tough lows, including having to say goodbye to Pappy, who passed away suddenly and way too soon; nevertheless, we all know that those we love are never truly gone, so we'll continue doing amazing things and taking time to remember the good times we've had.
We don't know what 2017 has in store, but we know that we're going to do our best to continue making amazing memories. We hope that as you read this, all of you are in good health and good spirits. Know that whether you're near or far, you're special to us, and we wish you and your loved ones nothing but the very best. As always, thanks for reading, and best of luck until we meet again!
With love,
The Kanaks
No comments:
Post a Comment