MY YEAR IN REVIEW 2002

MY YEAR IN REVIEW 2002
by Timothy Rollins, Editor and Publisher

December 20, 2002

As I once again engage in my annual tradition of doing this year-end column, it is with what can only be described as a full heart that I truly give thanks for what can only be described as a banner year in my life and that of those I love so dearly. For so many things over the course of the year have happened that have been a source for growth and also in the process, a source of joy as well. And while I thought things couldn't possibly get any better after last year's wonderful successes, guess what? Much to my joy, I was wrong, and this year will definitely go down by far as the best yet. I definitely cannot wait for the joys and opportunities 2003 will provide for me and more importantly, my children and other loved ones.

In looking back at 2002, we begin of course when my youngest (right) turned six and the accompanying fun that went with it. Seeing his face light up as he unwrapped his presents and to know that he reached another milestone in his life was a joy unto itself. Watching him see and live the joys of another year has been an experience in and of itself and has been a thrill all its own.

As the weather warmed up, it was good to get a little more out of hibernation and enjoy what nature had to offer. There was also more time for me to spend in court - after all, with the divorce now behind me, there is still an impressive custody battle going on, and that one has no end date as of yet. However, with time and love, all things can be overcome, including death, for I believe that the choicest of all relationships - the family - despite all this - can be continued beyond the grave, with all its blessings and opportunities for growth as well as the service that it alone uniquely provides.

As May rolled around, so did my birthday as I turned 43 and with it, my column "Another Year and Getting Better", which was not only one of the most fun columns I've ever written, but which was perhaps the most widely responded to column of the year. While writing these columns are fun, when one strikes a chord with so many, it provides a certain feeling of satisfaction when one particular article strikes that kind of identifying chord with a readership.

Summer flew by all too quickly and with it my annual vacation to New York. While there, I had the pleasure of running into a wonderful friend and his family where we visited for all too short a period of time. In addition, I also had the chance to run into a college classmate I hadn't seen in 22 years along with his wife and seven children. Perhaps most importantly in that time, I met ever so briefly with one in particular who would come back into my life shortly after Labor Day, and who has gone on to have a profound influence in my life in the relatively short time we have known each other, and for whom I have written a column that will be posted at a later date.

As fall approached, there was the opportunity to expand my talents and in the process, I was able to both awaken some long dormant ones as well as discover some new ones as well. With the annual musical at the church, I did something not done in over 25 years, and that was to audition, for which I actually got a small part - one that I milked for all it was worth. The rehearsals, the camaraderie with the other cast members and the night of the show provided a wealth of memories not to be forgotten anytime soon.

So all in all, this year has - even with the court battles and all, been an overwhelming success in ways that far exceeded my hopes, expectations and even my wildest dreams. Yes indeed, the Lord has been very good to my family - my older children out West, and to my little boy and myself here in the East. The blessings that have come into my life far exceed what I often feel I deserve, yet I take comfort in the knowledge that He is in charge, He knows what is best for us, and that all of this is for our good, if we will but allow it to be. And that is the true comfort and joy in not only living, but in living joyfully.

So be that as it may, in closing, as I have said in previous years, as I prepare to celebrate the occasion of the birth of the Christ Child with my youngest, I would like to take this opportunity to wish each of you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukah or a Good Kwanzaa. May the joy that this time of year brings carry into the New Year, and may each day bring you joy as you bring it into the lives of others.

See you next year. ***

Photo of Timothy Rollins courtesy of staff files
Photo of T. J. Rollins courtesy of staff files