Looking back, looking forward

Since I’m a historian, it should come as no big surprise that I’m fond of looking back. Especially in strange times like we seem to be in now, perhaps the past has some lessons and perspective for us, but it also amounts to a damn nice place to escape to. But that said, I also love to look forward to new things, and most important of all to be grateful for now. To quote one of my beloved Seahawks, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, “All there is is what’s in front of you.”

So, in the spirit of reflection that many of us do on a New Year’s Day, I share a few tidbits from my world by way of awarding stuff I think is worth it.

COMPASSION AWARD

My sister Traci alerted me to the fact that 2026 is the Year of the Horse. It seems so appropriate in lots of ways, not the least of which is that she herself is a horsewoman extraordinaire. She has a rescued Mustang and three miniature horses, which she shares with the community at various events, often involving animal rescue or charities benefitting children with terminal illness. She does what more of us need to do, namely shift our attentions to making the lives of others just a lil’ bit happier. You can find her and her boys on her Instagram @thesmallsminihorses. Do check her out and be inspired.

COURAGE AWARD

This one goes to my brother-by-another-mother and viking partner in crime, C.J. Adrien. A talented teacher and storyteller, C.J. and I met and started cohosting Vikingology Podcast three years ago, and what a great fun and interesting ride it’s been! But the ride has also been a bit of a rollercoaster at times for C.J. Job stuff, family stuff, health stuff… all the usual tricks life throws at us. He’s had to retool several times, including taking the brave leap to move his family to another country and begin anew from scratch. But despite it all, he always shows up, finds a way to crack a joke and laugh, seeks wisdom, and moves forward, usually while doing a Jean-Luc Picard voiceover. He gets discouraged because he’s human, but he finds a way to keep going because he’s C.J. He inspires me and reminds me that there is always courage to start over and follow your dreams. And that when life gives you lemons, be humble, be a goofball, and drink lemonade.

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE AWARD

Hands down this award goes to my dad, Terry. If we all are lucky to live long enough, we will inevitably face some of the difficult challenges that happen toward the end of a human life. For my dad, that has come in watching my mom decline due to dementia and having to face the exceedingly hard choice to move her out of our family home - the only home she’s known for 55 years - leaving them apart after 64 years of marriage, and my dad living alone for the first time in his life. It’s been a time full of talks, tears, tribulations, and tiny triumphs. But through it all my dad has been the solid rock with soft edges that he has been for my whole life. It’s tough to watch those you love go through hard things, but the example my dad sets is one of quiet dignity and perseverance because no matter how hard it gets, that is all one can do. I’ve learned that from him. And that with each other, we are granted the grace to make it through.

There are many other awards I could give, but those are a post for another day. In the meantime, here’s my approach to 2026. May it be yours as well…

• Quiet down all the noise. Focus only on the task before you and what you can control.

• Choose wisely what you pay attention to. What you look for is what you will see.

Thank you all for reading and the support this year. Stay tuned for more history, vikings, thoughts, and adventures!

Skal!