Today marks three years since my Christmas Eve brain hemorrhage and rather unexpected hospitalization in Rochester. Or as my brothers like to say, three years since “Nick ruined Christmas for everyone.”

It’s hard to believe that much time has passed. And while I was not an unhappy person before Christmas Eve 2015, I can honestly say that the last three years of my life have been the best I’ve ever had. A near-death experience makes you appreciate everything a lot more, and I’ve come to realize just how blessed I really am. While I’ve still had slight frustrations and disappointments along the way, as we all must, I’ve also come to recognize that I have the best family and friends anyone could ever ask for.

I’m pleased to report that I’m still in good health and am planning on being around for quite a long time yet. My doctors at Mayo told me they don’t think I’m in any real danger of having a repeat of this incident. But even if they turned out to be wrong, I could hardly complain, because the last few years of my life have been so incredibly good.

Merry Christmas!