Epiphany Stories of Sharing Our Light
Amir Venegas
There are many things for which I am thankful for a very rewarding 2007. First off, the Church came into my life, and there have been a wealth of experiences and friendship. Philanthropy has returned to me after a rather long hiatus. There’s something about getting together to clean up a park or cook food at a community kitchen that recharges the body and spirit. Additionally I married Joanne in the summer. Although I didn’t think my spirits could get any higher, they did. We found out in the fall that we are expecting our first child and now I feel like the cliché “It’s a whole new ballgame” applies to my life.
As 2008 starts, my terrific wife set up a date at the new Shakespeare Theater Company Sidney Harman Hall. The Persian-themed play started in Farsi “There was one; there was none…” the Persian equivalent to “Once upon a time…” It really took me back to being a little kid in DC and hearing a great aunt start with this same beginning. The play centered around two life lessons: be thankful for what you have and share your good fortunes with others. The play really struck home with lessons that I was taught as a child.
I’m thrilled with finding the Church, marrying Joanne and being further made new as I prepare to bring a new life into the world. I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach the same lessons I learned as a child to the child I will soon have, for the path my life has taken and for the foundation that will support me moving forward. I cannot wait to start the storytelling with my child, “Once upon a time . . .”
