By David Tepera, April 22, 2025
Recently, I was looking through some old photos of my kids during their growing years. Most of you know that I was a single dad raising Dylan and Daylyn since they were in 2nd and 4th grade. They are now 26 and 24-years-old, along with a blessing of Tina coming into our lives over eight years ago.
As I looked through the photos, it was a reminder of all the running around coaching their sports, getting to practices, playing in games and tournaments, including fun family summer vacations. We were on the constant go for years.
Through all that, it was hectic at times and challenging on most days, but looking back, it was some of the best times. The kids and I bonded because we were inseparable. We made memories to last a life time.
How about you? Take a moment to reflect over your life. What was the good times while going through the hard times? Was it from raising kids, starting a career or business, or the early years of a marriage?
Typically, the first two years into starting a business is the most difficult. Especially, when it requires “brick and mortar”. There’s an initial investment of supplies, equipment, plus all the utility bills. But, if you have a business partner with the same dedicated work ethic, those challenging times will be some of the best.
For some of us, the early years of marriage had plenty of financial difficulty. What’s your story? Did both spouses work hard to be able to save and buy their first house? Or did you decide to not have all the unnecessary material things and live with one income, so one parent can spend more time raising children?
Maybe, you or someone close was diagnosed with a challenging disease. This is a moment to rally and make every day special.
Sometimes, bad news is a wake-up call to change your life. Never see a stranger again and gift others with your kindness. It’s time to go on your dream vacation, make mends with family members, and live through your heart.
Listen, there’s not one of us who hasn’t been through hard times, and I’m sure, some of you are experiencing it now. But, what I want you to know, it’s only hard times if you let it be. It’s very possible that one day, you’ll look back and recognize it was some of the best times.