2022 Year In Review
Wow, 2022 has been a remarkable year, one for the record books. Just like any other year, it had its share of ups and downs, but as we step into 2023, I am grateful for new beginnings. The goal remains the same: to help those in need, produce quality work that fills me with pride, give back to my community, and strive to be better than I was yesterday. It's all about 365 degrees of improvement, aiming to be 1% better each day.
Let's reflect on the highs of 2022:
I am immensely grateful for the numerous opportunities that allowed me to grow, travel, meet new people, and experience new things. This year involved a lot of moving, from my headquarters at 1900 Locust to personal housing and everything in between. Despite the constant motion, I remained as productive and focused as possible, all the while humbled by the profound influence that people, places, and things have on us.
One of the standout moments was when my oldest son started college. Moving him into his dorm was truly an eye-opening experience, and I couldn't help but think that I should have pursued higher education after witnessing the vibrant and diverse college dorm life.
Now, let's acknowledge the lows:
Unfortunately, this year brought about significant losses. One of my favorite artists, Wayne Thiebaud, passed away at the age of 101. I admired him and aspired to be like him as I grow older. My goal is to achieve triple digits in age, and with me being only 41 years old, I have a long way to go. Wayne was an exceptional American painter, renowned for his still lifes depicting delectable treats and everyday objects, all showcased in his unique illustrative style. His popular subjects ranged from colorful cakes and slices of pie to candy pieces like lollipops and the winding streets of San Francisco. I encourage you to watch the video below from Christie's to get a glimpse of why Wayne's art captivated me. It saddens me to know that he is no longer with us.
I lost my grandma this year. Grandma Hot Rod, or Grandma Coffee depending on the situation. I was honored to speak at her funeral and below is the excerpt of the eulogy.
Rosemary was born on August 1, 1931 in St. Louis to proud parents John and Frieda April. When Rosemary became a teenager, along came two little brothers Johnny and Tommy to make the April family complete and she became the loving “sis” and protector to both.
Rosemary attended St. Paul the Apostle and graduated from Laboure High School. It was there that she formed lifelong friendships to many. After she graduated, she took a job as a secretary at C J O’Brians until marrying the love of her life in 1953.
Rosemary and Ken celebrated 62 years of marriage until he passed in 2015. They always made it a priority to take a little trip or eat out to celebrate. Her children have kept up this tradition as promised since Kens passing. Every May 2nd she would receive roses and a nice dinner.
Rosemary and Ken went on to have 5 children. The Fab Five. In addition, 13 grandchildren and 15, soon to be 16 great grandchildren.
In 1964, the Segelhorst family moved to Florissant. Rosemary made sure her kids received a Catholic education here at St Ferdinand School.
She enjoyed volunteering making dishes for the funeral luncheons and visited Chapel often to say her rosary. She was the first to start a prayer chain for anyone in need.
Rosemary also loved gardening. She had the most beautiful rose gardens in the neighborhood.
She loved watching the Cardinal baseball team play. Jim Edmons and Yadi Molina were among her favorites.
Rosemary loved hosting holidays and celebrations in her little home on Ronda Dr. She was a wonderful cook. Her specialties were mostaccioli and Roast Beef. Even though she shared the recipes, no one could replicate the taste exactly. She prepared her meals with love.
Some of the best times were vacationing and camping with the entire family. Joy recalls how memorable and exciting some of the trips were. Far too many stories and laughs to share, but certainly not to be forgotten
Rosemary was first and foremost a caretaker for her family. Steve remembers when he got his first job and could not drive yet, Rosemary would pick him up in her pajamas at 1am with a smile on her face and not one complaint. She did that for her other kids too!
Julie recalls the caring way Rosemary would drop everything to take care of the grandkids. She was there whenever you needed her. Linda also remembers the way she would sing, dance and act silly for the kids. She always had a warm lap to crawl into for a book or cuddle. Rosemary loved playing games with the kids and was always there for hugs and kisses.
Sue recalls when Rosemary offered her wedding dress to wear to her own wedding. It was a beautiful gift she was given and such a wonderful memory for Sue.
My own recollections of grandma hot rod as I called her after she chirped her tires backing out of the driveway to take me to school one morning, I was like they’re you go grandma hot rod and we continued our short commute to St.Ferdinand both with grins on our faces.
Grandma coffee as I often called her was quick to offer a frozen ding dong or Twinkie as an after school snack or let you see grandpas train room or play Clark Kent & Superman in the phone booth in the basement.
Though your smile is gone forever and your hand we cannot touch we still have so many memories of the one we loved so much. Your memories are our keepsake with which we will never part. God has you in his keeping we have you in our hearts.
We all agree Rosemary was a compassionate woman to all her family and friends. She always tried to make things fair and made sure each person felt special in their own way.
We had a wonderful grandma, one that never really grew old, her smile was made of sunshine and her heart was solid gold. We had a wonderful grandmother and that’s how it will always be but take heed, she’s still keeping an eye on us, so let’s be sure she likes what she see’s.
Rosemary will be missed by many but was finally reunited with her loving husband Ken, her cherished parents and countless relatives and friends in Heaven on August 27.
Rosemary, we all LOVE YOU MORE!
I suffered the loss of a close friend and my best friend within 6 days of each other due to mens mental health issues and the alarming rate at which men are committing suicide. This has sparked me to use my creativity and problem solving abilities in 2023 to raise awareness and do something to spark a change or open the conversation so we don’t loose any more of our loved one’s prematurely. Fellow C.B.C. high school classmate and friend of nearly 30 years John Christopher Hill (8.18.80-12.7.22) was the most creative, funny talented musician and gifted human I have ever and will ever have come in contact with. He always could make you smile and watching him grow throughout his career and take everything life threw his way and make something creative out of it is inspiring and I will try to continue on in his honor.
I want to thank all of my REAL friend, family and loved one’s for all of their patience, support and understanding this year. I’m sorry for distancing myself and missing quality time but I love ya’ll and you mean everything to me.
This year my dad had a close call with being hospitalized, kids are getting older, I even have some gray hairs. I don’t know if 2023 will be a better year, but I can assure you I will be a better version of myself.
Ciao!
