As 2017 comes to a close I want to share several pictures that show some of the moments I’m most thankful for this year, and other moments that shaped 2017. It was a year of firsts, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit 7 different countries and over 12 cities. I met people who have become great friends. I started learning Korean (eventually quit the class, but I started 😂). Most importantly I spent valuable time with my family. I rang in the New Year with family, and I’m closing it out with family. It’s been a year of laughter, celebrations, and sometimes tears.
I completed my first solo travel and walked on the soil my great grandfather once walked (Hong Kong) before migrating to Jamaica. I had the opportunity to sit with my Honduran grandmother to hear about how she grew up and what it was like leaving her homeland for a country she never knew.
In October I removed 5 wisdom teeth (yes I had 5) it was a daunting experience. One of the things that truly caused me to put my life into perspective was waiting for the results of a pathology report for a cyst they removed during oral surgery. To be honest I was worried and the 3 week waiting period didn’t help. However it helped me to realize how precious life is, while also realizing how disposable we are as humans, at any moment. It’s that frailty of life that makes us live each moment with gratitude.
In June I travelled home to Jamaica, and as usual, the tears flowed when the clouds broke and I saw my homeland. While not living in Jamaica, it defines who I am each and every day.
In August I experienced one of the worst floods ever in Houston as we went through Hurricane Harvey. In that moment I also realized the strength we have when we come together to help others.
I also met some amazing people, not the least of which was Diana Nyad who showed the world what it means to pursue your goals with passion. She swam from Cuba to the Florida Keys and was successful after several failed attempts. In October I got to see 5 former presidents come together to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. The One America Concert was truly an amazing experience.
I’ve walked in palaces built thousands of years ago. I’ve trekked along pathways that some of the worlds greatest philosophers once walked. I’m thankful for each moment and take none of it for granted. I realize that I’ve been afforded opportunities others may never have, and I try not to lose sight of that every day.
My biggest gratitude I owe to God for blessing me with a great family, and parents that shower me with love and have sacrificed so much so that I may have the world. This Christmas I’m most appreciative of my sister and how hard she continues to work as a single mom, just to ensure her daughter grows up with the hope and dreams that every child deserves. I admire her more and more each day.
I’m thankful for a great year, and I declare that 2018 will be an even great year filled with victories, realized dreams, health and love.
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With my cousin and friend at the Some Sevit a floating island in the Han River, Seoul, South Korea.[/caption]<<<<<<
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Sections of the private garden at Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea.[/caption]<<<<<<
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Hanging out at Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul, South Korea.[/caption]<<<<<<
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Ruins of St. Paul’s a 17th-century complex in Santo Antonio, Macau, China.[/caption]
Dimitri Lyon 