Tag: Family

Just about Anything

Father’s Day: A Reflection on Legacy, Imperfection, and the Quiet Work of Being a Dad

Joseph R. Meyer

Father’s Day has always felt complicated to me—not just because of the holiday’s history, but because of the men whose shadows I’ve walked in. My father worked hard and was physically present, yet often emotionally distant. Now, as a dad to my thirteen-year-old daughter, I’m trying to write a different story: one built on presence, gentleness, and the quiet, everyday work of showing up. This is a reflection on legacy, imperfection, and why the real reward of fatherhood isn’t a single day in June, but the small moments that quietly shape a life.

Just about Anything

Remembering Aunt Liz: A Legacy of Love and Kindness

Joseph R. Meyer

Twenty years have passed since my Aunt Elizabeth Garcia left this world, yet her presence still lives in the memories she gave me — the trips, the movies, the concerts, and the unconditional love she offered when I needed it most. This tribute is for the woman who shaped my childhood, steadied my heart, and left an imprint time can’t erase.

Just about Anything

A Mother’s Day Reflection: The Mothers Who Shaped My Life

Joseph R. Meyer

Mother’s Day has always been one of the most meaningful days of the year for me. My mom, Linda, passed away in 2015 at just 56 years old—but her love, her sacrifices, and the way she showed up for my sister and me still shape the way I see family today. Remembering My Mom, Linda… Continue reading A Mother’s Day Reflection: The Mothers Who Shaped My Life

Just about Anything

The Emotional Toll of Job Loss: My Experience

Joseph R. Meyer

The Day That Changed Everything Today marks a day that I should forget about but cannot marking three years since I was laid off and although I am working today, thank God, February 28th, 2023, will always be a day of pain. Remembering this day like yesterday. I do remember before this day, it was… Continue reading The Emotional Toll of Job Loss: My Experience

Just about Anything

Understanding the Weight of Regret in Life and Family: A Personal Journey Through Self-Reflection, Parenting, and Perseverance

Joseph R. Meyer

The Habit of Self-Reflection For those who read my posts, you tend to see me self-reflect a lot, it’s what I do, but so do many of us. It’s hard not to self-reflect, its getting a little annoying at times, when I am constantly reminded of things, such as mental health, my life, career and a… Continue reading Understanding the Weight of Regret in Life and Family: A Personal Journey Through Self-Reflection, Parenting, and Perseverance

Education and Learning, Just about Anything

The True Spirit of the Season: Love Over Gifts

Joseph R. Meyer

What is truly important in this time of year, the season of giving, a season of joy and for myself, the reason for the season JESUS! All of look at this time of year differently, some absolutely hate this time of year over the sear reason that it’s a time of being forced to give… Continue reading The True Spirit of the Season: Love Over Gifts

Education and Learning, Just about Anything, Mental Health

Wrestling with Worth: Annual Reflections on Life, Faith, and Financial Struggle

Joseph R. Meyer

Contemplating Life During the Holidays This has become an annual tradition in my "Giving Myself the Gift of Life" series. I have tweaked the name a little as the original name of the posts might cause alarm to those who read as these post discusses death and suicide. For those who are concerned about my… Continue reading Wrestling with Worth: Annual Reflections on Life, Faith, and Financial Struggle

Education and Learning, Just about Anything, Writing

Remembering Loved Ones: A Tribute to My Mother

Joseph R. Meyer

Remembering My Mother, Linda There are certain people in our lives that make an impact that once gone, you truly never feel the same, for me that person was my mother Linda who passed December 9th, 2015, making this the tenth year without mom. Growing Up with Mom Growing up with mom, she was always… Continue reading Remembering Loved Ones: A Tribute to My Mother

Just about Anything

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of My Late Mother

Joseph R. Meyer

Happy Birthday Mom (Linda Gutierrez), it has been always ten years since you have been with us, but you are missing every day. You would have been celebrating your 66th birthday today. Imagining we would be celebrating your birthday simply at your favorite restaurant, Olive Garden, you were simple like that no fancy restaurants and… Continue reading Celebrating the Life and Legacy of My Late Mother

Just about Anything, Mental Health, Writing

The Voices in My Head

Joseph R. Meyer

I often play conversations in my head, not sure if anyone does what you may say to a person at home, at work in various scenarios. I re-play words/conversations in my might regularly in how I am going to explain to my family one when I am no longer here. Sadly the only conversation I… Continue reading The Voices in My Head