It’s been a while since I’ve written but figured today was an appropriate day as it’s the end of one year and soon to be the beginning of the next.  But rather than focusing on all the stuff that went “wrong” this past year I thought I would spend a few minutes reflecting on all the things that went right.  

When you really sit back and think about a year in review it’s amazing how many ‘little‘ things you think of in addition to all the big ones that have occurred over the last 365 days.  The big ones tend to occupy the largest spaces in your memory banks but when you add up all the small ones it can been truly amazing to revisit all those little treasures over the last year.  

My last year had some pretty big and exciting memories, particularly in the travel category. We started the year last year in Africa with a news years day trip to Devils Pool. That was sure a trip and an experience to remember and was grateful to be able to do that as a family.

Second was a wonderful father-daughter trip to London with Alexa to visit Jake who was studying there for a semester. We had a handful of fun filled days and quality time which made me appreciate my relationship with my kids even more.

Third was an exciting summer trip with Aimee to Europe where we travelled across the UK, Belgium, Luxembourg and France behind the wheel of a vintage Aston Martin that we purchased earlier in the year. Not only did we knock two new countries off our travel list but we collected a number of small memories to last a lifetime whether it be driving on the track at Goodwood Motor Speedway to the gorgeous inns in the hillsides over northern France.

Lastly, we finished off the year with a much needed respite on the beautiful island of Hawaii where we have hiked, swam, and eaten are way across the island and even tried to spread some holiday cheer.

What a travel year it has been!

But as I said earlier these are the big ones that tend to take of the big memory spaces and iPhone photo storage.  That said there we dozens of other amazing memories I’d love to share:

I accomplished my goal of running the Boston Marathon in my 50th year

Alexa got her license and we surprised her with a new car

Jake continued to do amazing at Syracuse and had a great summer internship with the Tri-city Chili Peppers

Aimee and I got town approval to build a dream second home in Newport and we broke ground 

My sister Lisa got married to a wonderful man, Mike, and they bestowed upon me the honor of officiating

Aimee was elected to her first public board, something she has worked towards for years and is well earned. 

My nephews continue to thrive in their respective academics, professions and sports pursuits and recently honored Aimee with the official title of ‘Auntie’ to my Uncle title

My sister Jen and brother in law Josh celebrated the 20th anniversary of one of their fantastic restaurants, La Morra, which is no small feat 

My parents continue to be the stewards and captains of this amazing family and ensure we remain connected and loved

My work colleagues demonstrated the meaning of true friendship to me and my family during some of the bumpier moments of 2023

My friendships grew closer with so many enjoying a handful of car events throughout the year albeit fewer than years past 

I was elected to the board of Beth Israel Hospital which has particular personal significance for me.  

Alexa and I attended the Beth Israel gala as a father-daughter and she was such a delight to all those who engaged her

Ice skated in Rockefeller Center with Aimee, Jake and Michaela

Ran a 5k on Thanksgiving with the entire family

As I said, a year can be filled with dozens of wonderful memories and these are just a random handful of those that came to mind when reflecting. 

I look forward to what 2024 will bring and hope it’s filled with as many wonderful activities and memories as 2023 was.  I am truly grateful for all the wonderful things in my life that outweigh any of the challenges easily 100 to 1.  

And lastly thanks to all of you who have been along with me for this wild ride in 2023. May 2024 bring you all the peace, love, happiness and memories you so richly deserve and let’s make every day a great day!