A Look Back on the Thomases’
2012
As 2012 draws to a close we
have appreciated receiving pictures and updates from so many of you and we
think with fondness of the times we have shared together and hope for more such
opportunities in 2013.
So as we look back over the
year that was 2012, what stands out?
·
Immediately after
the start of the year John (JT) was surprised by a bout with pneumonia. Fortunately,
no hospitalization was required and once the fever subsided, he recovered
steadily.
·
Spring Break brought
our first family trip through the Disney system, with many traditional
highlights, and we found Animal Kingdom on Easter especially engaging. The only
low point was Jen and the kids getting trapped by Southwest Airlines for 2 days
after their return flight was overbooked.
·
J.T. had left Florida
a day early to join several friends at the Boston
marathon … which was a fantastic experience despite suffering through his slowest
time ever (due to near record 92 degree heat, and reduced preparation during pneumonia
recovery) .
·
In May, Jen and J.T.
traveled to Israel (link for
pictures) for a pilgrimage tour led by Dr. Gary Chapman and his wife. It was truly extraordinary to experience and
gain insight into so many Biblical sites we have read about throughout our
lives. Special moments included sailing
the Sea of Galilee, baptism in the Jordan ,
floating in the Dead Sea, running up Masada, haggling with vendors in Old
Jerusalem, and seeing the buried portion of the wailing wall beside the Temple Mount
·
We maintained the
wonderful family traditions of beach week with the McCains in June and the
Thomas family reunion in central Alabama
·
The resumption of
school saw Ross entering 7th grade, and Lydia
·
Ross (13!) had a health
setback this fall as he contracted mono and had to miss many weeks of school
and activities. He expects to return to a normal schedule in
the New Year. He continues to enjoy soccer and Boy Scouts.
·
Lydia
·
Russell (6) is quite
energetic. He is giving Tae Kwon Do a try, as he likes the “kicking part of
if.” He continues to be a devoted
follower of all the major superheroes!
·
Jen is working
with her publisher and co-author for a re-release of their book in May or June 2013
as “When
I’m Sorry Isn’t Enough”. She
continues to practice her individual and couples’ counseling part-time through Associates
in Christian Counseling in Winston-Salem, seeing 6 clients per week --
which seems to be a good balance while orchestrating our active household. She continues to exercise with friends and
has taken up tennis. In 2012 she also
began sharing her skills through occasional travel to help lead family retreats
for Inheritance of Hope. Their mission: To improve
well-being in the lives of children and families with a parent diagnosed with a
life-threatening illness.
·
John continues to
enjoy his role at Stearns Financial
Group helping clients navigate their financial challenges and pursue
investment opportunities; the firm’s steady growth in recent years has been
encouraging and their second office in Chapel Hill
is well on its way to success. JT was
pleased when his health allowed him to resume enjoying distance running, often
surrounded by a troop of like-minded friends.
This year he ran his slowest and fastest marathons – his 18th
and 19th in Boston
(April, 4:21:10) and Richmond
(November, 3:06:41) – as well as two half marathons
within 30 seconds of his best ever.
Here’s to getting older and faster! (wouldn’t bet on that to continue …)
·
As we look
towards 2013 we anticipate another exciting year, two markers will include our
20th wedding anniversary (we hope to return to Bar Harbor, ME where
we honeymooned, this time in the Fall), and Ross participating in the national Boy
Scout Jamboree at their new center near the New River Gorge in WV in July.
We were reminded this year
that our health can never be taken for granted, and are thankful for the
opportunity to maintain our rapid pace, forming many special memories and
looking forward to 2013!
Best wishes,
The Thomases
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