It's my Cake Day! Three years ago I lost my son; seven years ago my special needs daughter was born; and thirteen years ago I lost my home and everything I owned to a tornado. If I can make it, you can make it. Keep hanging on!

It's my Cake Day! Three years ago I lost my son; seven years ago my special needs daughter was born; and thirteen years ago I lost my home and everything I owned to a tornado. If I can make it, you can make it. Keep hanging on!

Plus my wife got me this perfect shirt! #Birthday

EDIT: Wow, this got way more comments than I was expecting. Thank you so much to so many of you for the kind words! I am really pleased if I've been able to be an encouragement for any of you. I know your words have certainly be encouraging for me.

I guess I just wanted to be able to start this new year for me with a reminder that despite the hardships of life, you really can get through it and be happy.

To try to answer some of the questions asked:

Facial Hair:
I've been rocking the beard for a number of years now. The mustache is newer for me, I've been wearing it for about a year and a half. And I love it. My wife likes it too, so that's a win in my book.

Attitude:
I'm just trying to keep it positive. I've had my bouts with depression and I've found from experience that one of the best ways for me to stay upbeat is to give voice to the good things in my life and share them with others. I know I've had some really hard events in my life, but there are those who've had it so much more difficult. At the end of the day I get to come home to a house I'm paying for with money I've earned with my own two hands. I have a wife who loves me, and truly knows me. And I have a daughter who needs me and looks up to me. No matter what happens I can hold onto that.

The Shirt:
My wife bought it here: http://teesboost.com/may1980?v=false&s=hanes-5250&c=Black&p=FRONT There's a variety of them with different options and looks.

Cheers to all of you!