we are getting down to the final posts of our 12 days of Christmas. this is the part where we get to talk a little about how this year has affected us individually. i am writing from my perspective today, and kelly will be giving her thoughts tomorrow. as i reflect on this year, i have decided to take my words in a slightly different direction.
this has truly been a fantastic year. my business has taken on more work than ever before, and i have had some of the most amazing opportunities imaginable. i could tell you stories about shooting videos all across the country in breath-taking locations. i could tell you stories about producing videos that helped raise money and awareness for several non-profit organizations. i could tell you stories about creating large-scale advertisements that were seen across the web, movie theaters, and television screens.
but none of that is what i want to talk about. instead, i want to talk about how these opportunities and this work has affected me on a much deeper level. a very real and personal level. a family level.
i don’t know if you have gathered this or not, but being a dad is a really big deal to me. i have a soft spot for children, and in some harmonious way, i feel like that part of my personality aligned perfectly with a lot of the work i produced this year.
i worked with multiple schools for children with autism. i worked with resource centers that provide services to teenage mothers and children in need. i worked with organizations that aid in the continued healing of children and adults that have survived cancer.
and while each of these experiences were eye-opening in their own way, i must say that what moved me the most was being exposed to autism. it is staggering how many children are faced with this disorder, and the numbers continue to grow each year. even worse, there are limited resources for help, and ultimately, there is no real cure.
as a parent of two healthy children, it is easy to take their health for granted. hearing the stories and challenges from parents of children with autism really puts life into perspective. it is inspirational, and it teaches me to be a better parent. i appreciate even the smallest things so much more. i hug a little tighter. i kiss a little longer. and i thank God for the often-overlooked blessing of healthy children.
there are only a handful of organizations properly equipped to give families facing autism the help that is necessary. one of these such places is the St Gerard House. they contacted me earlier this year about creating a video to promote what they do. this video was a game-changer for me, and it is one of the most special pieces that i have ever produced. so, if you would like to see some of my professional work outside of all the family videos, this is a good place to start. i really urge you to take the time to watch this and learn not only about the wonderful services provided by the St Gerard House, but also about autism in general. it will most likely change your outlook.
so yes, i was blessed beyond belief with so many great opportunities this year. but for me personally, never before has it been less about the work and more about the experience.