The Year That Was and The One Ahead! Happy New Year!

So I have Liam asleep, Anna and her mother are watching Harry Potter and I am about to write a quick piece on the year that is now coming to an end and a look forward to 2012.

Anna and Liam, Thanksgiving 2011

The highlight of 2011 had to be the birth of our beautiful baby boy Liam. His entrance in to this world was a miraculous moment and one we will never forget. As we waited patiently in the hospital on that Tuesday in June, we could never have imagined how Liam would have such an incredible impact on our lives. We love and adore him so much and our days and nights are completely centered around him. He has given us something we never knew existed and for that we are truly blessed and eternally grateful. Over the past seven months Liam has captured the hearts of many family and friends. I joke that he is the most photographed kid on Facebook. Everything about him is amazing and he has a smile that would brighten up the darkest of days. I hope and trust that the world he grows up in will be a more tolerant and peaceful one. We love him to pieces and thank God for giving him to us.

I also got married in October of this year to Anna and this was to be the happiest day of my life. Having met Anna in late 2009, I knew that this woman was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. She understood me, supported me, encouraged me and more importantly accepted me for who I was. I believe we all have a role to play in this life and we all have some cross to bear. This woman allows me the space and freedom to express myself especially on my blog and for this I am very grateful. She is an incredible mother to Liam and to see his little face light up when she comes in the room, is a sight for sore eyes. Her mother currently lives with us having had some very serious illnesses of late. She cares for her incredibly well and her attention to detail when looking after her is second to none. Anna is one in a million and I love her dearly.

My Favourite

On a sad note, a very good friend of mine passed away in August. Frank Dolan was one of life’s true gentlemen and departed this world way too early. I first got to meet Frank back in Limerick in1986. Frank was an incredibly talented musician and a man very humble when speaking of that talent. He was also a great man to debate a point and we would spend many hours talking about all sorts of topics especially music. They say that the sign of a good person is their ability to not say any bad words about others. Frank certainly fits into that category. He leaves behind a beautiful wife Christy and a fantastic mother Pearl. I look forward to the day when we will meet again.

Me and Frank, La Jolla Beach Ca

The Frattaroli family welcomed another new arrival into their ranks with the birth of my sister Anne Marias beautiful baby girl, Faith Anne. If anyone deserves to be a mother it is her. She has endured her own hell over the past number of years but at last has found incredible happiness both with Mike and Faith. I often refer to Anne Maria as the Janice Soprano of our family.

I look forward to 2012 with great excitement and anticipation. I am writing my first book and this is something that will answer a lot of questions for me. I do it with the full support of my wife and also do it with the knowledge that it is the right thing to do. This year was a fantastic year for our family and next year will be a fantastic year for our ambitions. That I am fully convinced.

So to all my many friends and family, including my mam and dad, who have believed in me and supported me over the past number of years, I thank you all sincerely. I hope 2012 will bring you all the happiness and peace you all truly deserve.