Dear “on the page” readers,
To begin, I want to thank you for joining me weekly “on the page”.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 12 months since we launched this blog.
What’s that “they” say, the days are long but the years are short, so true.
“on the page” is truly a labor of JOY for me - I hope it’s been a JOY for you to read and you’ve been informed, inspired and entertained at some level. AND, I hope I’ve helped you think about something a little differently and/or made you laugh, maybe even scratch your head.
This will be my final entry for 2022 and in signing off for the year, I thought I’d do a bit of reflection on the past 365 days.
Becoming ONE
Speaking of JOY, as you may know, Christy & I got married in July.
I want to thank Christy for believing in US and for believing in me – I learn from you every day, especially about how to love. Simply put, you help me grow daily, thank you beautiful. I’ll never take you for granted.
Parenthood
Fatherhood continues to be the biggest blessing, honor and responsibility of my life.
And this year, I gained a stepson in Benen.
What a year for Benen (16), Zoë (13) & Ziggy (8)!
Another year of growth and maturity, laughter and learning, trials and triumphs.
We do it TOGETHER.
It’s a process which brings both Christy & me a tremendous amount of JOY and we look forward to seeing what 2023 brings for our children and for us as parents.
Another business unit
Freadom is off to an amazing start and I’m more enthusiastic and optimistic about the potential it presents than ever before. Is it hard? YES, but most things worth doing are.
Literacy for All is worth the fight!
As such, we added another business unit to Freadom in March, Freadom Promotions.
Freadom promotions is a promotional products company which also has a 100% giveback to literacy component. It is off to a very promising start and we are looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.
The grind and building of Freadom brings us JOY.
Bernie’s Book Bank
Bernie’s Book Bank continues to thrive and we are finally re-embarking on our expansion journey after we paused these activities during COVID. Pleased to report there is meaningful and exciting interest from all over the corner. 2023 is going to be both an exhilarating and exciting year. Stay tuned.
The continued maturity of Bernie’s Book Bank brings me so much JOY and I am grateful for all involved, especially our team. They consistently do all the hard things required to make something like this GO.
The virus we won’t call by name
Though we’ll probably be dealing with this virus for a very long time, it seems we are learning how to mitigate and live with it. This…brings me JOY.
Faith
Throughout 2022, with the help of our church, my wife and family, and friends, my faith continues to grow and has never been stronger. My faith journey continues to bring me JOY.
Strife
Throughout 2022, as I’ve reflected on the past 17 years, starting with the death of my father, Bernie, Sr., I’ve realized how much strife there’s been in my life. I finally feel “free”, without strife.
Yes, I know life inherently brings strife and it will continue to do so.
I am grateful for the lessons learned and growth opportunities, but I am more grateful the strife of the past 17 years, specifically, is behind me. JOY, JOY, JOY.
Friends
Each day, it never ceases to amaze me how blessed I am to have so many friends who love me, unconditionally. Friends who are always there for me, believe in me and are my champions. But who also challenge me and inspire me to be better, hold me accountable. Simply put, my friends are GIVERS.
My friends are a major source of JOY in my life, thank you to you all, you know who you are!
Love
When it gets right down to it, love is all we need – that should be a song. Wait…
2022 has been full of LOVE.
Being loved and loving others brings me JOY. Amen.
My friend Derek
Lastly, after 2 years of incredible work and sacrifice, my friend Derek Moore is moving on to another opportunity. He’s been there as a friend and a colleague and he continues to teach me so much – about faith, servanthood, love, business and friendship. Thank you my brother. Anything you ever need, I’m here for you, anytime, anywhere.
You bring me and so many other JOY, don’t ever forget it!
Good luck to you as you embark on your next chapter and don’t forget to come visit us at the Freadom Aerie. We love you my friend. You’ll always be a member of the Freadom Freak Family and team - your fingerprints forever emblazoned on our journey and your impact forever felt.
2023
As I sign off for the final time in 2022, I want to thank YOU for all your support and interest in Literacy for All. I LOOK forward to “meeting” you “on the page” again next year and I wish you and yours a Holiday Season full of JOY!