Sitting on the deck of a villa in Cala Egos, Mallorca, I find myself reflecting on the past year while gazing over the wide expanse of the ocean. The serene beauty of the morning light playing on the water reminds me of the highs and lows that have shaped the last twelve months.
The year began with a bit of a scare. Last year during our vacation, our youngest daughter developed a severe ear infection, extending our stay by two days. Thankfully, she recovered well, and we returned home with a renewed appreciation for health and family.
Entering the new year, I faced a professional setback. Competing for my dream role at ITQ, I found myself up against two other strong candidates. The role ultimately went to someone else, deemed a better fit. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but I accepted it as a part of my journey.
Despite this disappointment, the year also brought significant joys. At the end of the summer, we were finally able to buy the house we love and had rented for the past years. This exciting milestone allowed us to make plans to improve our home, leading to a complete renovation of our garage and garden from March to July.
In January, I reflected on the incredible achievement of ITQ, having delivered almost 40 vExperts. This success is not only a testament to the contributions of these individuals to the tech community but also to the supportive environment we strive to create at ITQ. As the vExpert PRO within ITQ, I feel proud of this accomplishment and the role we play in fostering such talent.
Professionally, I made great strides in my ambition to become a better presenter. With the guidance of Andrew Taylor, I prepared for my second presentation at VMware Explore in November. Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in a community panel session at the Dutch VMUG, where I not only had fun but also forged new friendships.
From November to January, as a member of the Workers Council, I was involved in discussions about ITQ’s attempt to acquire CAM IT Solutions, where I had worked for 11.5 years. This surprising development grew more serious over time until the acquisition was finalized. This merger offers many opportunities to strengthen our MSP department. It’s been wonderful reconnecting with old colleagues, witnessing the growth in collaboration, and influencing the development of this new phase. Personally, it brought new insights and challenges, as my Company First Response team doubled in size due to the addition of a second office. This has provided a fresh source of energy and new challenges.
However, the year was not without its challenges. My wife had to undergo several surgeries, and my father was diagnosed with cancer. Although the initial prognosis was bleak, his treatment has shown promising results, offering us hope. Shortly before our vacation, my father-in-law suffered a mild stroke but is on the road to recovery. We remain optimistic and supportive, hoping for the best outcomes.
As I sit here, reflecting on these experiences, I realize that life’s journey is a blend of joy and sorrow, triumph and challenge. Each moment, whether uplifting or trying, has contributed to my growth and resilience. The key is to embrace each day with gratitude and hope, finding strength in our connections and looking forward to the future with positivity.
Here’s to a new year filled with more milestones, memories, and moments of joy. May we continue to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and optimism, cherishing the lessons learned and the bonds strengthened along the way.
Dive Virtual 
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