Christmas 2020
Well….hasn’t this just been a year?!
Did you ever stop to think what your expectations were for 2020? 2020 sounded magical right?! Who knew that our lives would be turned upside down? I am so impressed with people for the most part who totally think of their neighbours so that we can all come through this intact. Our new normal is schooling from home if covid19 counts at physical schools increase. So many people are still working from home as well. This may even continue after the pandemic. We have all learned the colour codes for lock downs! I reflect on how my fellow health care professionals are doing. I am grateful that I am retired as a R.N. so that I don’t have to feel their stress levels. I was there for SARS so have an idea of the process. Kudos to all our front line workers. For the most part people are wearing masks and distancing AND washing their hands. 2021 will be the roll out of vaccinations. I hope that this goes smoothly and that it will make a big difference to our society.
I am navigating word press & host gator on my own so please bear with me. It is not something that I am entirely comfortable with but I want to be able to communicate with you again. I miss the connection to each and every one of you. You have been there with me through 8 years of blogs dealing with every subject imaginable! Thank you for that!
My friend Doreen resided with her daughter for a while after her discharge from rehab, until the boot for her broken ankle came off. She is finally back at her home and sleeping in her own bed. She will be attending Physio for quite a while yet. Her family has been and will continue to be there for her. What a remarkable journey she has had since early August. 
Our dog Freckles has had some health issues and is on a major antibiotic. We are not sure yet which way this story will end. We do know that we will not have her in constant pain. She always amazes me with her stamina. She is 14 in January! Either way we will continue to love this beautiful girl and enjoy her antics. She has such a strong personality and she talks to us a lot. She always wants to herd us to be together!
I don’t know about you but I so miss my family especially the Grandchildren. We hope to connect with them on messenger over the Christmas period. It’s been 18 months since I have seen the New Brunswick Grands! 9 months for the Barrie ones. I see videos of them and realize how quickly they are changing. These are times we can never get back. These are also times when we must think of the greater good for all.
Jim and I have been doing a lot of walks in the parks by the Thames River. Such beauty surrounds us there. The River rushes along, while some ducks enjoy the ride. Many people stop to safely talk with you as they bike, or walk their dogs. Nature can be so soothing in these dark times. It helps you to feel almost normal.
Instead of a large Christmas present this year Jim asked that a donation be made to the food bank. This has been done and I hope that this improves the lives of those in need. If you feel that you can do this too, think of a charity that speaks to you. If you cannot that is totally fine. Just be kind to yourself and your neighbours. That is so important. Through kindness we can get through this together. 
I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas. May 2021 be a year of hope and love. May we realize just how resilient we have all been, and creative too! We have found so many ways to continue our dialogues with friends, family and organizations. Be proud of yourself as you continue to navigate this new world.
Blessings to each and every one of you!
Yours in health,
Sue