The message in church Sunday was to rejoice.

OK, reverend, I am going to rejoice; however, with the end of the year comes reflection. Thinking back upon the year 2008 I only become saddened as I contemplate that after this year I am without two of my best friends in this world. One was murdered in May, and the other died in August when his automobile left the road late at night. I also lost one of the two step-fathers I had as a child; the other died in 2004. I now am without my fathers.

It doesn’t seem I will ever get over these fatherly and brotherly losses.

But, yes, rejoice. I will try. In fact, this year reminded me simply to be glad that I am alive. This year made realize what it must be like to age, to go through many feelings that elderly people feel reading the obituaries, losing family and friends in quick succession, yet living. This year reminded me to count my blessings. This year made me feel old.

One blessing is that I have many friends. The two who died were among the oldest I had, buddies from my stint in the U.S. Army. But I have many other pals, including some who go back to my days at the Iowa State Daily student newspaper and some here in town who are dear friends, too — and some from times and places in between.

Another blessing is my beautiful wife and son. My wife is an excellent mother and caring person, and my son is a smart, strong and happy child. And they are both cute as buttons. It’s the cheek dimples. Do you want to know how smart my kid is? Ask Forrest if he will be the next president of the United States and he says yes. We are working on changing the Constitution’s age requirement.

Albert Lea is a giving community. There are a few near-sighted naysayers, as anywhere, but generally the people are close-knit, sharing, forgiving and friendly. Our community looks beautiful to most visitors. It cares about schools, cares about families, cares about health and recreation and pulls together to support charitable causes. Plus, there are so many opportunities to get involved with this community in some way. In smaller places, there are few options, and in bigger places, the options mostly are filled up. As Goldilocks would say, “This one is just right.”

I finished paying off my red 2002 Ford Ranger pickup this year. I know I could trade it in to get a newer one, but I like the idea of owning it outright and using the money for other purposes — such as diapers. Besides, it’s been a loyal, reliable truck, and it was assembled in St. Paul. I don’t want another.

My wife and I like our house. It’s a Dutch colonial revival, and it is rather cute. From the front, it would be easy for a child to draw. In the warm months, I pine for a deck (pun intended), but since I am counting blessings here, let’s just say we are pleased with the house. (We need a new furnace, though.)

The house is big enough that I can go in a different room and not be bothered — much — but it is small enough to be cozy. I have this saying about a good house not being so small it lacks personal space but not so large that family members never have to know each other. What’s the right size? Well, that’s up to you. Insert Goldilocks’ saying here. Or maybe the Winston Churchill saying: “We shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us.”

I am fortunate to have so many relatives. My mother, step-father and brother live in Minneapolis, though all of them grew up in rural Iowa like I did. My sister lives in Waukee, Iowa. As for extended family, I have so many relatives that I even have some in Albert Lea. My great aunt and great uncle raised their family here and still reside here. Their daughter and son-in-law’s family lives here, too. So does my grandmother’s cousin. I cannot explain how big the Engstrom family is, except to say that my wife remarks about it every year when we send Christmas cards. Most of the Engstrom relatives don’t seem to have Engstrom as a last name. The women must be more attractive than the men.

Finally, I am blessed to have you, the reader, taking time out of your day to read these words I have constructed. My column each Tuesday often aims at making you think in ways perhaps you hadn’t considered before, and some weeks I do a better job of that than others, but every week you are very much valued. Thank you, and bless you.

Now it is your turn. Rejoice!

Tribune Managing Editor Tim Engstrom’s column appears every Tuesday.