I met many great people.
I made many new friends.
I finished a short film of which I am proud.
I helped others purely for the selfish reason that it felt good.
I talked to anyone who would listen, and listened to anyone who would talk.
I worked with friends and for friends, and even got to hire friends.
I made people laugh. I love making people laugh.
I gambled my heart and fell madly in love.
I was honest, open and gave freely what I had to offer.
I had my heart broken and fell apart.
I leaned on friends and family who propped me up and believed in me when it was difficult to believe in myself.
I found my footing and discovered the ground was always under me.
I started walking with purpose again. Sometimes I stumbled, sometimes I ran.
I took my father back to Ukraine and found the place I lived as a boy, then to Siberia to find the place he lived as a boy. I visited both of my grandfathers’ graves.
I celebrated my parents 40th anniversary with them.
I celebrated my birthday on two coasts with amazing friends.
I met people who helped my family and millions of other Jews leave the Soviet Union. I thanked them.
I made mistakes.
I hurt people’s feelings, though never on purpose.
I apologized to others and to myself.
I taught my nephew how to tie his shoes.
I danced with abandon.
I learned and became better.