By Samuel Fitch
As I write this on December 1, 2025, my mind turns to the year behind me. The first thought that rises is the people we lost. My mother passed away extremely unexpectedly on June 9. Her absence has sent a wave of grief through me, my wife, my four siblings, and her ten grandchildren. Yet as painful as it has been, I am grateful for what grew out of that difficult season. My brothers and sisters are now closer than we have ever been, and that closeness has carried us forward.
In August we lost another remarkable person, my great-uncle Gus. He survived a life-threatening illness in the 1990s that should have taken his life and went on to enjoy ninety-one years of family, joy, and stories that shaped all of us. His passing brought reflection, gratitude, and appreciation for a life well lived.
But 2025 was not only a year of loss. There were wonderful moments that brought pride and joy to our family. My daughter Jolie completed her associate’s degree at a ministry school in Illinois, twelve hours from home. My mother was able to attend her graduation and the memorable road trip home, complete with vehicle breakdowns and overcrowded cars, became a story we will always smile about. Later in the fall, Jolie and her sister Myah began a new chapter together as students at the University of Valley Forge in Pennsylvania.
Emma earned her driver’s license. My son turned thirteen and joined the Civil Air Patrol. My wife and I could not be more proud of the four amazing children we have. They are growing into remarkable young adults with bright futures ahead.
Professionally this year stretched me in ways I did not expect. Losing my mother meant that June was practically a month away from work. Even so, I was able to build solid momentum again through the second half of the year, and I feel confident about where things are heading. My wife and I even began exploring the idea of a future home. It is not something for the immediate months, but it gives us a meaningful goal for the next two years. The style we want will require land and a custom build, but it is exciting to envision what could be.
Health wise this year brought good news. My doctor confirmed that my MS remains stable. My MRI showed no new lesions and my treatment continues to work well. I also returned to the gym because there are only so many months a watch can tell you that your cardiovascular fitness is low before you take action. After two months of consistent effort, my heart feels stronger, my workouts are better, and I am making real progress.
As we begin the final stretch of the year, I can say that 2025 was a very good year with one significant heartbreak. Even so, I rest in the confidence that my mother, who loved the Lord Jesus deeply, is with Him in glory. I will see her again. That faith has sustained me, my wife, and our children more times than I can count. It has steadied me through the challenges of my diagnosis since 2019 and continues to strengthen every part of my life. I often return to Romans 8:28, that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
I wish each of you a wonderful 2026. Thank you for following along with my journey. I look forward to continuing this blog in the coming year.
God bless you all.
