Thread by @RobuLuxe

2018. A year of triumphs, of hope, of devastating loss, of art, of fog, of adjusting, of growth. New cousins, strengthened and strained bonds, major milestones.

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2018 started with us adjusting to the loss of our dog President Willie, and me with a health issue that had me on my back and/or seeing specialists with big question marks looming over us. 2/

My Mom died this summer, my wife’s grandma, the last survivor I will personally know, followed as Hanukah started. She lived long enough to see Pittsburgh happen, a terrible bookend to what had been a beautifully triumphant life.

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But my children grew, and kept me entertained, even joyous. Got a freshly-minted little Shapiro, too (not mine! a cousin). And I got better, resumed work, had one of my best years, started my own company (which will see the initial releases this year), 4/

completed and put out Populuxe’s “Lumiere”, my first complete production in which everything was recorded and mixed in my studio, wrote and recorded music with my sister and brother-in-law for Call of Duty: Black Ops IV that was incredibly challenging and fun, 5/

realized a 34 year goal of writing and releasing something with my ol’ pal Michael Attias, narrated some of my favorite titles, wrote a children’s book, deepened my marriage, saw my Dad walk beautifully and confidently into his octogenarian years, started taking piano lessons. 6/

I watched friends uncover old, unknown, yet deep truths about themselves, and confront fear to deal with them. And they won. Friends made art, won awards, made me laugh; at times it was an embarrassment of riches. Plus a thousand little triumphs and everyday grins 7/

that helped me on my way, too numerous to mention.

The good far outweighed the bad. As bad as it was, the good beat it handily.

There’s, as ever, much to worry over. Real storm clouds loom, both in my personal life and in the lives outside of mine. 8/

People I care about threatened. Anger and mistrust abound. Real malevolence is resurgent, preying on the weak.

It’s always darkest before the dawn, and by my eye, we’re still just past sunset. Those of you holding light meant for enlightenment and safety, hold it high. 9/

Those of you holding torches to search and frighten, yes, you will have company, but these are the people who will betray you, and with whom you will collapse. I’d tell you to kindly fuck off, but you already have; 10/

now you’ll learn what happens to people who cast themselves out and play with cruelty.

There’s a reason that the opening line of “Lumiere” is “Hoist up your flashlight!”

Hold yours high.

We’re gonna need you in 2019.
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Thank you to each one of you who took time to write to me, to compliment, or just to listen. You have no idea how much fuel that puts in the tank.

Be kind to each other, and, as always, befriend someone with whom you disagree. See what happens.

Love to you and yours.