Looking back, Island-style

Some reflections happen best in familiar places. At Gumbo Diner, John and Melissa reflect on a year that tested them, taught them, and ultimately brought them closer.

Humans of Galveston: When you think about this year, what stands out first?

John: Gratitude, honestly. It was full — busy in a good way but also grounding. We put a new roof on the house, which sounds practical, but it felt symbolic. Like, okay, we’re investing in our life, not just reacting to it.

Melissa: Yeah. Everything felt intentional this year. Even the small wins carried weight. New surfboards, trips, quiet moments —it all added up to momentum we could actually feel.

Humans of Galveston: Surfing clearly played a big role this year. What did that look like for you both?

Melissa: Surfing stayed at the center of everything. The California trips were huge for me. And John finding that student board — those boards are not easy to come by. Surfing has always shaped how I move through the world. Teaching through Valz Surf Lessons keeps me connected to that. The fact that it’s island-based and female-owned and run matters to me. It’s about respect, empowerment, and community. Passing that on feels like a responsibility.

Humans of Galveston: What stands out to you as the hardest part of this year?

John: Losing two friends to motorcycle accidents really stopped me in my tracks. It was grief, but also clarity. I’ve always chased adrenaline — skydiving, snowboarding, motorcycles — but this year I decided to walk away from riding. Presence started to matter more than risk.

Melissa: It shifted our perspective. Loss has a way of sharpening what’s important. It made us more deliberate about how we show up for each other.

Humans of Galveston: You also explored wave pools this year. What did that add to your surfing experience?

John: Texas and Virginia Beach were eye-opening. Wave pools give you control and consistency, but they still demand respect. Power is power, even when it’s engineered.

Melissa: The wave pools gave me space to experiment and learn without the chaos of the ocean, while still reminding me that nothing is ever completely safe or predictable.

Humans of Galveston: Looking ahead, how are you feeling about what’s next?

John: Cautiously optimistic. I think a lot about ethics, the economy, politics — how all of it connects. Seeing Buddhist monks walking for peace from Fort Worth to D.C. hit me hard. That level of commitment and compassion stayed with me.

Melissa: It resonated with both of us. It reminded us that quiet, steady action matters. Change doesn’t always have to be loud.

Humans of Galveston: What grounds you outside the water?

John: Drumming, meditation, and my work in low-voltage field services keep me balanced. There’s rhythm in all of it.

Melissa: And together, we host weekly meditation gatherings here in Galveston. It’s our way of creating space — for stillness, for connection, for people who need a pause.

Humans of Galveston: On this this Christmas Day, what are you carrying into the season?

John: Gratitude — for lessons learned and love shared.

Melissa: And clarity. Joy and loss both showed us what matters. We’re thankful for each other, for our community, and for the chance to keep moving forward with purpose.