Only a few more days until we enter the New Year of 2015! I hope you all have been enjoying the holiday season and were able to sit back and enjoy some quality time with your friends and family members. Other than celebrating the birth of my Savior, spending time with family and friends is my favorite part of the holiday season.
In this spirit, I thought it would be nice to post a New Years update from the Otis clan. As many of you know, all of our children have worked for Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Augusta and Lake Oconee, and some continue to play a part in the family business. Many of you also kindly ask how are children are doing, so here is a quick update…
Our oldest son, Marc, recently accepted a job in Michigan State University’s Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement. As they prepare to move to East Lansing his wife, Megan, will look for part time teaching positions and Marc will continue to whittle away at his PhD. Our granddaughter, Hannah, is learning to read and will be starting Kindergarten in the fall! Our grandson, Logan, is also growing up quickly, and has learned to walk quite well since we saw him last. He is bonding well with their new Chocolate Lab puppy, Moose. While they were unable to come home for Christmas, we are excited to go visit them in a few short days.
Justin is also doing well. After years of traveling around the country to for work, he has accepted a new position as a corrosion engineer for Atlanta Gas & Light in Atlanta, GA. He is enjoying learning the science behind the oil and gas industry. It is a growing industry and we are happy for him. We are also grateful that he has a job closer to home.
Kristin is over halfway through her PhD program at University of South Carolina. She continues to be passionate about school psychology and is thriving in her studies, equally enjoying both seeing clients and teaching undergraduate classes. She and her long-time boyfriend, Brendon, are doing a great job raising their beautiful Golden Retriever, Foster
While continuing school, Jonathan has narrowed his focus to the field of perfusion. He enjoys the medical field, working with machines and is at his best under pressure. This field seems like a perfect fit for him. This past year, he earned his EMT certification, is taking additional sciences and shadowing several doctors at GRU. He plans to apply to MUSC’s Cardiac Perfusionist program in the coming fall and we know he will do great, helping lots of people through his work.
Karen is also doing well and staying busy. With family spread out over Columbia, Augusta, and Michigan, she stays on the move. This past year, we are sad to report that we lost our faithful Golden Retriever, Toby. When Justin moved to ATL he picked up his dog, Romo, and we found ourselves without a dog for the first time in many years. So, we decided to fix that…twice over. Karen’s birthday present was two new little Golden Retriever puppies – Daisy and Cash. They are sweet (and precocious) little puppies and they keep us plenty busy these days.
Our company had a record-breaking year in 2014, and after sixteen years, I still love what I do. I truly consider it a calling to bring greater beauty, safety, and value by lighting up homes and businesses in Augusta, Aiken, Lake Oconee, & Athens. Last year, I also continued working as a volunteer firefighter in Columbia County, even earning my EMT certification. I am also gradually getting advanced paramedic training, so that I can keep serving as a first-responder for my church and community.
Although life is far from perfect, the holiday season reminds me how much the Lord has blessed us, and how much we don’t deserve his kindness to us. I am grateful for this time of year, which points me back to the priceless grace that he offers to all through his Son, Jesus.
As this year comes to close, I look back and give thanks for you, our customers. Despite an ever-expanding client list, you all still feel like family to us. If we can do anything to help you, please do not hesitate to call us at (706) 690-4326 in Augusta/Aiken or (706) 484-9711 in Lake Oconee/Athens. I look forward to serving all of your outdoor lighting needs in 2015, and for many years to come.
May your New Year be filled with many thanks and blessings as well,
Pat Otis, President
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Augusta
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Lake Oconee
