As I look back, hope never lied to me or led me astray. It promised me life would be hard, but it also assured me that I was up to the challenge. It guaranteed mountains, but gave me the courage to climb them.

With music being such an integral part of my March madness, you’d think I’d want to run from it. Not a chance. I’ve decided to lean into it.

In 2025, I must make a concerted effort to remain steady. Uncertainty abounds here in my four Bismarck walls and around the globe.

Since May 2018, I’ve perpetually lived in that final scene of It’s a Wonderful Life: “Remember no man is a failure who has friends.”