A Year of Resilience, Family, and God’s Grace

Disclaimer: Bard AI wrote this. I gave the basic headlines and this piece was generated. Please forgive all the flowery language and imagary. Apart from all the other things that happened in 2023, the rise of AI is a big one!

Heartbreak Hill at the Boston Marathon, slick with April rain, tested not just my legs, but the spirit forged in the crucible of a broken rib. Recovering from that January bike mishap was tough. Each laboured breath, each throbbing step, whispered a prayer of gratitude for second chances.

In October my 14-year-old son and I cycled almost 500 kilometers through the majestic embrace of Himachal Pradesh. We pedaled not just through breathtaking landscapes like Dalash, Tatapani, Narkanda, and Shimla, but towards a father-son bond strengthened by shared sweat and the whispering Himalayas.

December 3rd saw us conquering a different kind of distance – 75 kilometers along the dusty trails of the Chandigarh Freedom Ultra Run. My fellow runners, fueled by the spirit of giving and the mission of LifeSteps Foundation, tackled 50k and 30k routes as well, leaving a trail of hope and support in our wake. With the support of Daudta Punjab and my company, we raised Rs. 139,150.36 for blankets and dry food that LifeSteps distributed this week to those in need.

The year wasn’t just about pushing physical limits. It was about pushing musical boundaries too. October 1st saw the birth of my debut gospel album, “I Give It All Up,” on Spotify and beyond. Every note, recorded in my humble home studio, echoed a deep-seated belief that music is not just mine, but a vessel for His glory.

And speaking of glory, there was plenty to be found in my family. My son, though navigating the uncharted waters of homeschooling, found his compass in faith. My daughter in the Netherlands aced her studies, while her sister in Cape Town painted the town red with her Honours degree, distinction and all. Even my Indian daughter in Malaysia shone brightly in her first year of studies.

Closer to home, my Indian sister landed three freelancing gigs, another Indian daughter got a promotion and drove away in a brand new car, while yet another embraced French, conquering not just grammar but academic exams. My Indian son, a budding musician and cyclist, may have grappled with schoolwork, but his devotion to God never wavered. My wife’s artistic talents secured her a commission to adorn our office with her paintings.

On the professional front, our company soared. Records were broken, contracts sealed, new faces filled our growing office, and finally, the grand opening of our new space. It was a year of expansion, a testament to dedication and collective spirit.

But life, like any good story, has its darker chapters. November 18th, my mother had a stroke. Speech faltered, limbs weakened, yet her spirit, like a flickering candle in the wind, refused to be extinguished. She battles on, embraced by family and the promise of brighter days. My mother held onto faith, her spirit a testament to the indomitable human will. Her journey, like our own, became a reminder that beauty can bloom even in the cracks of hardship.

This year, my friends, taught me that resilience is not the absence of tears, but the ability to dance in the rain. It’s in the quiet acts of love, the shared laughter, and the unwavering belief that even the darkest night gives way to a breathtaking sunrise.

This year, amidst broken ribs and conquered mountains, family triumphs and divine melodies, a simple truth resonated: life is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, love, and faith. It’s a story written not just by our feet, but by our hearts, our voices, and most importantly, by the hand that guides us through storms and celebrations alike.

So, dear reader, take a moment to appreciate the tapestry of your own life. Find the broken ribs that mended, the mountains you climbed, the melodies that danced on your lips. And remember, the greatest glory lies not in individual triumphs, but in the symphony of love, faith, and resilience that defines our collective journey.

May your own story be one of hope, of second chances, and of the unwavering grace that paints our lives with vibrant hues, even in the face of storms.

P.S. If you’re feeling inspired, check out my gospel album “I Give It All Up” and my newest Christmas song on Spotify! (You will have to search with my name: Stephan van der Merwe) And remember, if you have a story to tell, don’t hesitate to share it – the world needs your unique melody.

Keep running

Stephan