If you don’t care, I understand. If this topic doesn’t matter to you, I understand. But to someone like me who has followed UFO’s since I was young enough to stare at the stars and wonder; this little 9 page report is a big deal.
Officially, this is the first ever acknowledgment from the United States Government that there are aircrafts that:
We cannot identify.
They don’t belong to us.
They pose a threat.
The technology is far and away unachievable in our current society.
But, I also hear the voices of my fellow UFO enthusiasts on how much of a disappointment this report is. Taking a step back, I think we all had our expectations way too high.
I choose to see this report as a shift in course and I really think every human should read it.
Who knows, maybe my kids will read this one day after I’m long gone and say this was the very beginning of real disclosure.
I’ve added the link below for historically purposes!
Obviously 2020 was a nightmare for many reasons. One could look back and see all the bad. That’s an easy box to check. Maybe if you look deeper you can discover more, though. Maybe you grew as a person. Maybe you gained compassion. Maybe just maybe, you came out for the better. Looking through my posts recently, I had a surprising year of growth as a human. I lost loved ones but gained perspectives. 2020 was many things, but trying to erase it from memory would be doing ourselves a disservice, in my opinion.
For as little as I posted, the site had the most annual views since its existence. People are home so that sort of makes sense. But the driving force was definitely ‘Saying Goodbye to Papa‘. Which got enormous attention and increased my record for single view count 9 times over. My family shared it on facebook and I’m thinking that everyone in Waterbury, CT read it.
Also, this year 4 videos made the top 10. ‘A Fall Day in Connecticut‘ was a standout among these. With a lot of email participation afterwards, that was pretty cool.
The most challenging post I wrote though was actually a list. ‘35 Things I’ve Learned in 35 Years‘ turned out to be really difficult. The idea started with a simple premise and before long, twisted into a challenging task of being honest and reflective.
An interesting list to say the least. I have no idea what 2021 will bring. I don’t think anybody does. But whatever comes, i’ll try and write or document honestly.
As always, thank you for taking the time and reading this site. Nothing is more valuable than time and personal attention. So I truly value anyone who visits my site. I know the posts are far and few in-between. But I appreciate some people are still around to read when I click submit.
What a year 2020 has been. Leo is 3 now which is crazy to think. I remember Lindsey and I eating at longhorn when she told me she was pregnant. Time flies for sure.
Leo has grown so much this year. He is talking a bunch and is truly turning into his own little man.
The plan all along was to do 10 videos for each of my kids. So this was Liam’s ninth. It’s sad to realize that Liam is already 10 years old. He has 1 video left. Which is crazy for me to comprehend.
Not all doom and gloom, though. This video was a blast to work on. I wanted to split the emotion; a little classy and timeless and then maximum fun to close it out.
Liam is growing so fast. He is truly a wonderful boy and a compassionate human. We couldn’t be more proud. He’s actually watching me the type this, so I’ll let him mash the ‘post’ button!
This time around I really wanted to “feel” the experience so I decided to try video. I think for the most part everything turned out good. I had a blast documenting the journey and making it come to life. To be honest, the only difficult aspect was editing. I purposely left my MacBook Pro at home mainly because I wanted to edit on my iPad Pro. Let’s just say me and iPad had some issues. I’m not sure if this was because I’m so used to Final Cut Pro that iMovie felt so stripped down or I’m just simply a Mac guy who is accustomed to many more customizable options.
I think the final product is a true representation of what that crisp, fall morning felt like. Connecticut in the Fall is an amazing place. I was so thankful I had good weather and the ability to get out, see and feel some amazing moments.
Sometimes the worst situations bring out the best in people. Traveling across the country for my Grandfather’s funeral has shed light on some things; people are good and having a close family unit is priceless. In the hardest times, a loving, supporting family sticks together.
My recent trip back home wasn’t ideal. I saw loving faces and made memories but a sad occasion brought all of my family together. I first received news my Grandfather wasn’t doing well while on vacation at Disney World. An odd place to find out tragic news to say the least. Luckily, I was with good friends that made the trip as enjoyable as situationally possible. But, his well being laid heavily on my mind.
Once Lindsey and I got home from Disney, it wasn’t long before we received unfortunate news. Papa passed away. I never have gotten used to that ‘quick switch’ moment you experience when a loved one passes; one second they’re here, the next they’re gone.
I love going home to see my family. It sort of acts as a breath of fresh air. A reminder of who I am and where I’m from. But, this trip was understandably going to be difficult.
Before the trip even started I felt a sense of overwhelming stress. It’s hard to explain really. I’ve never been so overcome with thoughts and emotion that I couldn’t function, but honestly I was feeling hints. Lindsey was absolutely amazing. She took care of booking the trip and genuinely carrying any load needed until we were on a plane. She was a rockstar.
When my Papa’s health started failing him a few years back I made the decision that I wanted Liam to make the trip for Papa’s services. I knew my family would really appreciate seeing him. I knew much needed Mommy, Daddy, Liam time would occur. Also I knew he is at an age where he will remember and soak up this experience. So I was super happy Liam joined Lindsey and I up to Connecticut.
When we arrived my brother and his wife, Urszela picked us up from JFK. On a side note, JFK was desolate and empty. I was waiting for tumbleweeds to slide gracefully across the empty terminal. Seeing my brother and driving home with him immediately put me back in the CT mind-state. Lindsey always mentions how I am different in CT and I never really know what she means. I think I understand now. It’s like putting someone in their natural environment. I always feel comfortable and at ease in CT. Anyways after a late night stop at Darian’s rest stop, we spent the night at my dads.
The next morning we ate breakfast, Liam and I played some basketball with my Dad and then headed off to my mom’s. The weather really was magnificent all trip; Low 70’s and breezy. What else could you ask for? The nights were even hitting the 40’s. A welcomed surprise for sure. We got to my moms and I was relieved to see all was the same when I left it last. That may seem odd. But leaving home is tough and coming back to familiarity is comforting.
Our first day at mom’s only had 1 event scheduled. Apparently my family were all getting together every night since my Grandfather’s passing and eating at different houses. This particular night my Mom was hosting. I gently asked if pizza would be present, and my Mom informed me that it wasn’t on the menu. Lindsey and I love this local pizza place called ‘Vitos.’ So we swung by there to pick up their famous Garlic and Broccoli. Still delicious.
Being at my Mom’s the first full day was great. It was really nice because it gave me a chance to see everyone immediately. Like I said, tough occasion for getting together. But I was really thankful to see everyone again.
The next day was the wake. Services didn’t start until 4pm. While our primary reason for being in CT was family and Papa’s funeral, Lindsey and I had a window to relive some of our favorite spots, so we took it. We left the house on a crispy, breezy fall morning and ventured out to my favorite place in the world; Northwest, CT. We drove to Averill Farms and got apple cider donuts and freshly made cider. Then drove through the back roads of Litchfield through Torrington to see our old condo. Then to Canton to eat an early lunch at Flatbread Co. Flatbraed is this amazing place where all their ingredients come from local farms and they cook only with an open, wood-fired pit. An amazing morning to say the least. It truly is magical how seeing old places can give you a feeling of renewed spirit.
We arrived home and had just enough time to get ready for the Papa’s wake.
The wake wasn’t as bad as I expected. My family, for the most part, was in good spirits. The turnout was very large. Even with COVID protocols in place. Papa looked rested. He was engulfed with beautiful flowers surrounding him. One of his favorite things was UConn basketball. So a large presence of UConn colored arrangements were there. Also pictures of family were in his casket and all around. It was a sweet atmosphere created by my Mom, Aunt Judy and Aunt Chris. They loved him very much and it showed in their attention to detail.
After the wake we went over to my Grandma’s and had a light dinner. Even there it struck me how close knit we all are. I really took this for granted for a long time. Being away makes things clearer in ways. This is one of them. If I never realized it before, I did now. I have an amazing family that have each other’s backs and genuinely loves and cares for one another.
A word about Lindsey in Connecticut…
I can’t state accurately enough how great she was. She constantly was asking what she could do. How she could help. She was going out of her way to make anyone’s life easier. I was so proud to call her my wife. I mean I always am. But, she was so extremely thoughtful and considerate on this trip. I will never forget that.
Our last day there was the funeral. Notably, this was a more somber event. My family was much more quiet and reserved. I was feeling really choked up the entire day, myself. We got to the funeral home around 9am to pay our last respects. I was selected as a pallbearer so my brother, cousins and I drove in a limo together from the funeral home to the church.
At one point in route, I remember thinking this is what life is all about. Being with special people in your life in both, the hard and good times. Sure, we haven’t seen each other in a while, but none of that mattered. There is a closeness present that no one can explain. Any close family has it.
The church gave a respectful service. I learned a lot about my Grandfather during my Aunt Chris’s eulogy. I learned he was a founding member of that particular church, I learned he was awarded an older workers award from the Senator a few years back. Amazing information that a humble man, such as my Grandfather, would never tell you. My aunt Chris did a tremendous job with the eulogy. Though I was being considered to write it early on, I could have never done as concise or accurate portrayal of papa as Aunt Chris did.
After church the pallbearers again hopped in the limo and drove to the cemetery for Papa’s final resting place. The location is beautiful. It’s on a hill overlooking the city of Waterbury. Towards the end of his life, my Grandfather worked as a limo driver for local funeral homes. As a touching final goodbye, the directors from all the major funeral homes where present and rested their gloves on the casket of my Grandfather. It was amazingly moving.
I let Liam and Lindsey place a rose on the casket. That was the moment; the single moment where I knew Papa would be proud of what I have become. I’m nothing special. But I try to emulate his gentleness and kindness through my life and family. I know he loved Lindsey and Liam immensely and I know he would be proud of our family.
We left and once again met as a family at my Papa’s favorite restaurant; ‘The Manor Inn.’ There, I again had the same feelings of gratefulness and appreciation for such a close and caring family.
The absolute ironic part of having a close family like we have is that it started with leadership. It started at the top. It started with my Grandfather; an exceptional man who’s life examples and lessons echoes in my mind forever as priceless memories.
My grandpa was a lot of things to a lot of people. He was a friend to many, a husband, a father, a brother, a grandfather, a great grandfather. He also was the embodiment of a kind and gentle human being who led by example. He didn’t strive to be loud or heard, but his presence was more than sufficient to leave an impact.
In the book of Ephesians, Paul lists the characteristics of a loving human filled with the spirit. Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness and Temperance. The world today is seriously lacking all of those characteristics. But my Papa’s life displayed not only the traits of a loving husband and father but the blueprint of how to achieve such.
If Papa wanted me to learn anything from his life I truly believe it was this… You don’t always have to be the loudest in the room. You don’t have to drive the fanciest cars or have the nicest things. You don’t have to have a flashy personality or have the spotlight directly on you. He never did or cared for such accomplishments.
What you do have to do though, is love your family with all of you. Sacrifice daily so loved ones can get ahead. Be an amazing listener and care for others more than yourself.
Papa’s greatest lesson he ever taught was soft, quiet whispers of examples. He was as strong as he was quiet. He was as loving as he was gentle. He was an amazing leader and the embodiment of a man who was utterly secure in his ways and unparalleled at being gracious and selfless to his loved ones.
I am forever blessed and thankful to call Papa my teacher, my example and simply my grandfather. They say you can’t pick family. But God gave my family the best Grandfather anyone could possibly ask for.
I love you Papa. I will miss you more than I know how to describe. But rest assured, that your ways of kindness and selflessness will continue to live on through myself and my family. We are honored and forever grateful to have felt your love and warmth in our lives.
Over the years I thought I’d known and experienced perseverance. I’ve accomplished many hard tasks. I’ve beat personal battles that seemed impossible at times. I’ve stuck to hard diets and built up discipline in many areas of life. But this post isn’t about me and those accomplishments weren’t real perseverance.
Lindsey’s decision to leave her Credit Union position came at a particularly convenient time. I had just got hired on at a Fire Department that paid more money and Lindsey was pregnant with our third child.
Lindsey has clarity of mind and decision-making skills unlike anyone I’ve ever met before. She’ll make hard, big decisions with sweeping assurance. She does this almost effortlessly. Leaving the Credit Union was one of these decisions.
Lindsey rose fast at her Credit Union job. She was named Assistant Manager within a 1 year of employment. She never was quite fulfilled, though. I think she loved the challenge of learning something new, but always felt somewhat empty at the end of the day. I sometimes could see it on her face. She was exhausted and not necessarily enthused. It wasn’t long before she starting thinking on a grander scale. She always said if she was going to be away from her family, it would have to be worth it. I never forgot that mostly because she said it with heart.
The decision to stay home after Leo was born also had a huge agenda attached to it. Another clarity moment Lindsey had; deciding she wanted to teach. She made a personal decision to complete her Master’s Degree in Teaching. I’ll admit I was worried how this was going to be possible, though; a newborn, a hyper middle boy and an over inquisitive 8 year old bouncing all over the house. Not too mention my Fire Department job didn’t work as planned and we found out our middle son was Autistic and required weekly therapy sessions right in the middle of Lindsey’s schooling. Top all of that with our youngest developing ‘Failure to Thrive’ at 11 months old and eating through a feeding tube for 2 months. The cards were stacked against Lindsey.
But she did it.
Perseverance made it possible and perseverance carried Lindsey through.
Long story short, Lindsey finished her Masters Degree with a 3.9 GPA (which doesn’t sit real well with her) and obtained a job as a full-time 7th grade Math Teacher before she “officially” graduated.
Looking back through our marriage, my children and I have had the pleasure of Lindsey being a stay at home mom for the majority of our life together. In other words, we’ve had her all to ourselves. Up until recently I never quite understood how much value, compassion and empathy we were hoarding in our home. My children and I are grateful and appreciative of all of her traits, but one thing is extremely clear now; God created Lindsey to grow, reach, connect and teach kids in need of loving and learning.
The combination of Lindsey’s heart of gold and Christian values is something that kids can sense. She doesn’t need to put on a front or pretend to care. If you’re around her while she’s talking about teaching or reaching kids, you’ll know, she cares deeply.
I think thats what drew me to her in the beginning; her compassion and empathy to strangers. Thats not a trait you fake. That’s something that you either have or you try to work on, but certainly not fabricate. Lindsey is effortless when it comes to helping people in need. She has a sixth sense for the helpless and exhibits infinite patience and compassion when dealing with them.
I said all that to say; I don’t think kids are tricked by gimmicks or people who are around to collect a paycheck. Kids can sense motivation and energy way more than we give them credit for. Students should be taught with respect and genuineness. Lindsey showed me enough videos in her Masters program to coincide with this thinking.
Lindsey puts her whole self into her passions. For example, when she was setting up her classroom, Linds was intent on creating an environment that was warm and welcoming. Super positive signage, supportive messages and encouraging thoughts can be found on every wall. This isn’t by accident. This is Lindsey. Here’s a great example of how brilliant Lindsey was before teaching a minute in her own classroom:
A coworker of her’s mentioned early on to not “go crazy” with decorating. “The kids don’t care” he said. This person missed exactly what Lindsey already knew. Making kids feel comfortable, safe and supported builds a foundation. It sets a precedent. It’s like a comforting figure saying: “Hey, I care about your grades, but I care about you more.” It’s the exact right way to build a relationship of trust and love; with comfort, not content. Lindsey had this pegged before minute one of her first class.
My Nonni used to tell me all the time; “make your face your heart.” She would say that’s the key for people to see the true you. It’s not always easy for me. This is something Lindsey doesn’t have to work on and precisely why being a teacher is Lindsey’s calling in life.
Lindsey’s face is her heart. Plain and simple, the two are one. A warm, glowing, open-arms smile thats as inviting as it is caring and loving. Every student she comes in contact with for the next 25 years will grow to learn that Mrs. DiLeo is a loving human first, a teacher second.
There’s no better example of Lindsey’s compassion, love and attention to detail for her students than the sign near the exit of her classroom. Lindsey felt very strongly about this sign and it’s reason for existing. She wanted her students to see this sign and read it as they left her class for a reason; Lindsey wanted to leave them with a simple yet genuine reminder. Lindsey was so insistent this sign had to be exactly right that she custom made it herself and printed it several times for it to be “just” right.
The sign reads as follows:
“Before you leave this class, always remember; I love you. You matter. You can do anything. I believe in you.”
This previous year showed an amazing amount of progression with him. He has been working hard going to Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy. No matter what the public eye sees, Luca has worked tremendously hard and Lindsey and I couldn’t be prouder.
On top of that, Luca completed his first year of school. A huge accomplishment for him. Not only did he finish his class but he showed gigantic strides of improvement with his speech and communication skills.
Happy 5th Birthday little man. You are an inspiring, happy little little soul. Everyday I truly realize, I am lucky and blessed just to be a part of your life.
On July 20 2020, you will turn 35 Years Old. I’ve compiled some pieces of advice over my years of experiences to help you navigate through life and be true to who you are. Some of these you discovered along the way, some more recently. All of this advice however, is how you truly, authentically and genuinely feel after 35 years of life on this planet…..
~ You are what you do. Not what you say, not what you believe, not how you vote, but what you spend your time on.
~ Be kind to people who are different than you.
~ Life’s never too busy to go for a walk, put on headphones and feel the breeze.
~ You can’t change anyone.
~ Listening is the most important thing you can do in life. If you think someone’s done sharing, always ask yourself: “is there more?”
~ The stars in the sky are the most amazing evidence of God.
~ Be gentle towards animals, they feel pain too.
~ 99.9% of the time in life things are not black-and-white. Life is filled with shades of gray.
~ If you want seconds, wait five minutes and reanalyze. Never get thirds unless you’re eating New Haven pizza.
~ When an object is lost, 95% of the time it is hiding within arm’s reach of where it was last seen. Search in all possible locations in that radius and you’ll find it.
~ Time and reflection are the two most important things in the world.
~ Apologize as quickly, as honestly and as sincerely as possible.
~ There really is no such thing as a dumb question. Odds are someone around you has the same question.
~ Tell the people you love how you feel about them more often than they tell you.
~ Encouraging people will never get old.
~ Thinking differently than others will make you feel alone. But that’s not a reason to conform.
~ The burden of persuading people on political topics or conspiracy theories is too heavy and ultimately not worth it.
~ Be a parent w/ guidelines and rules, but treat your kids with respect.
~ Don’t take things too personal.
~ Keep your phone in your pocket.
~ Spend your attention and energy on people, not things.
~ Learn to appreciate selfless acts and gentle people.
~ Take care of the planet you live on. Your grandkids will live here soon.
~ Documenting will become amazingly valuable. Whether it’s video, pictures, journaling or blog posts. Capturing memories is worth all your time and energy.
~ Be interested, not interesting.
~ Reflecting on your past helps remind you who you are.
~ When Lindsey asks what’s wrong, tell her. She wants to help and cares about you.
~ Personal mental health is priority number one. You can’t be good for anyone in your life if you’re not taking care of yourself.
~ Watching films and listening to music from your childhood will give you tremendous comfort.
~ Sometimes church is going to be difficult to go to, but its always worth it.
~ Social Media and the news will have no profitable value on your life and pull you to the brink of depression.
~ Acquiring things will rarely bring you deep satisfaction. But acquiring experiences will.
~ Don’t be the smartest person in the room. Hangout with, and learn from, people smarter than yourself. Even better, find smart people who will disagree with you.
~ If you find yourself at a funeral be quiet and listen. Nobody talks about the departed’s achievements. The only thing people will remember is what kind of person you were while you were achieving.
~ Live and let live.
And here’s some extra special bonus advice:
~ When life gets heavy, listen to Suitcase Full of Sparks on a breezy, starry night.
*ddileo 