Thank You.

If I had to sum up the entire last year…it could easily be described as the most trying year of entire 24 years of existence…I’ve moved twice, fit almost four years of drunken good times into a brief 6 month period at BDHQ, struggled at times financially, dealt with the loss of someone I was around daily, lost a job that was my entire existence and reason for living since October 24^th, 2004, the day I was promoted to Sales Manager for Circuit City Stores, Inc.

I like to think that most people, had they endured the same trials, would have folded under the pressure, slipping into a deep state of depression, or worse yet, allow their lives to slip into a downward spiraling whirlpool…and hell, had I not kept a positive outlook on things, I could have easily wandered down the same path.

I try to approach each day in a positive manner, and treat it as a gift. I try to inspire people around me to do great things. I try to bring a smile to the faces of those around me, whether, friend, foe or stranger…everyday.  In doing so, sometimes a false persona comes to head, a “Happy Go-Lucky Thomas” that most of you have come to know. Let me be the first to say that it is not easy to always approach things in that manner…but I tried my damndest to keep with that reputation…whether some of you see it that way or not.

However, know that it was not done without the help of a few people who I hold very dear to me. For the first time in my entire adult life, I can say now, finally, I have friends that I can truly rely on, and that have helped me pull through what I consider to be the toughest times of my young life…and for that, I can not begin to thank them enough.

To Nate, BethAnne, Carlos, Josh and Randi, I really don’t know if there is a way I can ever repay you for being my “glue” for the last year. I have listened to people say for years how their friends have been their “strength” and “guiding light” and all that other rubbish…and my thought process was always “I was raised to be strong, I could take the world and all its challenges on by myself, without the help of others.”

 I have come to realize that is impossible. No one is that strong alone.

Whether or not any of you realize it…you have ALL been great on so many levels, whether it be a witty text minutes after I “resigned” at Circuit City, or a lunch full of bullshitting and advice that has helped keep me on the right path, or someone to tag-along in the car with me while I drive to clear my mind or simply presence and understanding in times when I am the most down…I can not begin to thank you enough.

I sure hope that 2008 will be as rewarding and enlightening for you as 2007 was for me. I can’t wait to see what this year has in store, and I sincerely hope you all remain a part of my life as the time passes by.

~ by tscogemkow on January 1, 2008.