Day 359 of 365 "Sojourning Together"

Merry Christmas!

Meet my mother Judy, my step-father Al and my sister Katy from Murrieta, CA.

The one word that best describes Al's life today is "Adventure."  The reason why Al chose this word is because it represents every day of his life as it presents a new adventure.  No day is the same.
The one word that best describes Judy's life today is "Thankful."  The reason Judy chose this word is because she is so thankful that her children turned out so well.

If Al could change one thing in the world, he would "Want to distribute a dusting of humor across the world and for people not to take themselves too serious."  The way he would go about making this change is to begin laughing at himself and steer away from anything negative while putting smiles on peoples faces.
If Judy could change one thing in the world, she would "Want people to have more compassion for each other and to be less judgmental."  The way she would go about making this change is by showing more compassion and living by the golden rule of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.

One year from today, Al would like for their business "Gardens of Shambala" to be an inspiration for others to look at life as a blooming English Garden.
One year from today, Judy would like for their business to be up and running so that she can create and nurture her talent.

If Al, Judy and Katy's life were a movie, it would be about their 30 year journey and adventure connected to the eternal optimism of Katy who brings an endless amount of humor and smiles.  It would be about their willingness to try new things, travel to new places all the while following their passion.  The title of their movie would be called "Sojourning Together" and the subtitle would be called "Keep Me Laughing."

Today is Christmas and I wanted to feature Al, Judy, and Katy because they have been a gift to me and my family. 

On this special day where gifts are being exchanged around the world, I wanted share with our community these three amazing people who have given me the gift of unconditional love, support, encouragement and perspective.

They have given of themselves sacrificially and have taught me what it means to live by the golden rule of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.  They have taught me to not take myself too serious and to laugh at myself.  They have taught me to be less judgmental and be compassionate towards all people.

We've traveled many roads together where there have been many twists and turns, highs and lows.  Through them all, we've learned to love, laugh and live life with passion and purpose.  Our hopes and dreams intersected on many occasions one of which led us to launching a company that created educational products for Hawaii.

I admire them for being courageous to follow their dreams and never ever give up.  They have persevered through much adversity and have weathered many storms.  Through it all, their family "Unit" has become rock solid and their faith and hope is unlike anyone I've ever met.

They have inspired me to be the best human being I could be.  They have set a good example by serving unconditionally and accepting others just as they are.  Above all, the most important part of their life is their love for people.

Just as they have cheered me on in my wild adventures, I am their biggest fans and believe they will fulfill all their dreams and goals!  Thanks Judy (mom), Al and Katy for believing in me and for allowing me to share your story with our community.