Dear Friends & Fam,
Seeing as it’s Christmas, this seems like an opportune time to express my deep appreciation to you for everything you’ve given me over the past 22 years. I have no doubt I would not, could not be where I am today without your love and encouragement. Now that I’m on my own, I realize this and think about it every single day.
Thanks to you, I’ve been able to go out on a limb and attempt to do things I’d only dreamt of doing until now. I’ve recognized I have the chance and ability to chase my dreams, and that’s all due to your influence. 2008 brought this all together and it turned into a very defining year for me.
In a nutshell, 2008 led me to: building up a lacrosse program, placing 2nd in an innovation contest, graduating college, founding an online lacrosse “news rag,” relocating to “the city that never sleeps,” working for Sports Illustrated, meeting/seeing tech icons and experiencing what it’s like to “strive & survive,” changing careers to focus on my passion for the web, and finally realizing what I want to do with my life. All great stuff, which I’m proud of, but the truth is there was always an underlining trend: support, encouragement, love and friendship from you. You built the foundation I thrived off of.
Almost six months ago, I moved across the country to New York City. There are certain people who helped make it all possible and I’ll forever be indebted to them. The overwhelming support I received was unexpected and almost uncanny. I finally realized just how many people in my life wanted to see me succeed.
While living in the city, I’ve met people who are in a similar boat – they moved here out of school and have faced the same uncertainties, been just as overwhelmed with life, but have loved ones they always know they can turn to. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know these incredibly talented individuals and experience the New York life with them – something I’ll cherish forever. These people and the ones that pushed me to this place are the reason I yearn to grow, to succeed and ultimately find my place in history (one way or another!).
Thanks to you, thanks to them, thanks to everyone around me, I now know where I want to go and I’m finally comfortable enough to start trying to make my fantasies realities. That feeling – just knowing I’m ready – is the most reassuring thing I’ve ever felt. Getting to this point in my life was like trying to figure out the first number in a combination lock, and it took 22 years but I finally did it. (For the record, the number is 12). Now that I’m here, I get it – I understand the significance of chasing down a dream. I’m addicted to that chase and determined to make something out of myself – all thanks to you.
The bottom line: Without friends and family like you, I’d be absolutely lost. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have no idea where I’d be if it weren’t for you…and a little Johnnie Walker on the side!
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year & God Bless,
Jeff
