"Beyond this place of wrath and tears looms but the horror of the shade, and yet the menace of the years finds and shall find me unafraid." ~ William Ernest Henley

A few weeks ago, I learned that one of the father's at my daughter's school passed away suddenly of a heart attack while running on a treadmill. He was 47 years old. Today I learned that a friend and former co-worker at the University of Louisville passed away suddenly of a heart attack. He was 39. They both leave behind small children and caring partners and family members. I am grateful to be on this side of the grave, and thankful to have work to do, and plans to make. I am thankful for PSC and for all of you, who do this with me.

Please use the holidays to hold close to those you care about, or find someone to care about, and make sure they know it. As I look forward to 2022, my greatest wish is that we all find renewal over the holidays. That we are able to remember why we do this work, at this place, at this time in our lives. I think about that often, and want to be the one to remind you of the importance and necessity of our work. Despite all the uncertainty that looms ahead, let us be there for one other to find our place and our role in this new year and new reality. I won't promise that the new year will be easy, without pain, or "normal," but I do promise to lift you all up when I can, give grace when needed, and push us all to grow and innovate even when it is hard to do so.

Please enjoy your time off, stay safe, and happy holidays!