2022 was quite a year with a lot to be thankful for. So as Thanksgiving approaches, I wanted to take a moment to take stock and count my blessings.

First and foremost, I am thankful for my beautiful, amazing, and supportive wife, Savannah.

And after the unfortunate passing of my nephew and cousin last year, I have a new perspective on family. I’ve always loved family, but it made me feel a deeper connection and have a new appreciation for every moment with my family.

I am also thankful for the growth and development of my son, Zion. I have to show appreciation for everybody who’s been so helped with his autism, including all of his ABAs, speech and therapists, the organization Joshua Care, and his school.

There have been so many people I came across who gave me great advice about how to care for him and to be a good father. I listen and appreciate all of it, and that’s huge for me since my own father passed away when I was only 11 years old. When I started my family and had kids, I couldn’t turn to my own father for advice. But I was blessed to have other people to guide me and give me fatherly advice, such as Mitchell Hardin Jr., Walter Brown Jr., Bryan Mcnabb, and Karl Burrell.

I am also incredibly grateful that Adonis was born healthy this year. He is so busy and active, and it’s crazy that next year around this time, he’ll already be walking and talking.

I am thankful to have a loving relationship with my oldest son, Kai. I am indebted to all the coaches in his life that give him words of wisdom and convey life lessons when he’s too stubborn to hear them from me! So, I’m very grateful for all of the guys he looks up to, like Coach Muton at Concordia Park. I’m so thankful that Will Ash connected me with Aaron Thigpen, who has made Kai a stellar athlete. Baseball is opening a lot of doors for Kai and giving him purpose and structure, and I’m thankful for that.

I am thankful that my mom is still alive and healthy. I could write a whole separate letter on how much my mom means to me! I’m also grateful that my brother is sober, clean, and doing well.

At work, I am thankful for the entire Matthews Financial & Insurance Solutions team. I am thankful for my assistant, Dana Pierre, who has helped us tremendously this year.

I am eternally grateful to all of our clients for placing their trust in MFIS. I am thankful for making the Million Dollar Round Table and being able to take a trip to connect with other ‘Round Table members. I am thankful for passing my Series 65. I am thankful to everybody who has listened to the CREAM Podcast, which is a lot of fun.

I am also thankful for my health and my well-being. Every day, I’m thankful and for all the great relationships in my life; for everyone who has been a positive impact on my family and me. And, of course, thankful that my guys, Steve Peterson, Justin James, and Jeremy Stone, keep me accountable at the gym.

In life, we get so caught up with the day-to-day hustle that we forget how special every moment is. So, this year, I want to make sure I am in the moment, enjoying the beautiful people, opportunities, and blessings that are right in front of me.

For that – and for all of you, I am thankful beyond words!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Jason Matthews