Merry Christmas to my incredible friends, family, and sponsors!
Merry Christmas to my incredible friends, family, and sponsors!
As I sit here by the cozy fire, I’m reminded of the warmth you’ve all brought into my life. This year has been another chapter in a wild and wonderful journey—from 34 years fighting fires, to finding peace by the water, to sharing lessons with the next generation. I’m so grateful to spend this season reflecting with all of you.
Firefighting taught me that the heat of life isn’t about the blaze—it’s about who stands beside you in the smoke. True courage isn’t going it alone; it’s trusting your crew, sharing laughter in chaos, and knowing that sometimes a little humor can calm more than a storm.
I remember the cat we were going to rescue out of a tree and Capt. Cooper looked at the lady and said the cat will be fine. The lady said, “how do you know that?” Capt. looked at her and said how many cat skeltons have you ever seen stuck in a tree? Yes the cat came down and we all laughed driving back to the station.
Then there’s fishing—my sanctuary. Waiting on the water has shown me that patience isn’t passive; it’s powerful. You cast, you wait, sometimes you reel in an old boot… and you learn to savor the stillness. The real catch isn’t always what’s on the line—it’s the clarity that comes with quiet. In a world that urges us to rush, I’ve learned to ask: Why hurry past the moments that ground us?
For the youth—through fire safety chats when I was on the job, the BBZ JC youth tournament I put on, and real-life conversations for those who seek knowledge—they remind me that giving back starts with listening. It’s not about grand gestures, but igniting curiosity. I to some it encourages them to wonder, to question, and to look deeper: Why walk the well-worn path when you can chart your own? In a time of quick answers, let’s teach them—and remind ourselves—to ask “What if?” with hope, not hesitation.
This Christmas, let’s embrace the extraordinary in the everyday. Hug tighter, laugh louder, and find joy in the simple things. Thank you for being my anchor, my inspiration, and my support—you make every adventure possible.
Wishing you a holiday aglow with warmth, peace, and gentle wonder. I’d love to hear: What’s one thing you’ll approach with curious joy in the coming year?
