As 2023 begins, I want to reflect a bit on this past year.
I know that personally with the vaccines I have had more freedom to see people I care about. I still am very cautious in what I do but am able to appreciate things even more. Masking is still part of my life going forward especially indoors in such places as grocery stores and at Toastmasters.
This year I got to have my 50+1 nursing reunion in Orillia. What a joy that was to see everyone again. It is hard to believe that we were all teenagers when we started nursing. Here we are now in our 70’s. Sometimes you can’t believe how quickly time has flown. We were outdoors for most of the time when we weren’t eating!
I think of the healthcare professionals now who have such a heavy load of care and hope that the New Year is better for them. I so appreciate all that they do!
I also got to visit with family more. I flew out to New Brunswick and spent a glorious time at a cottage on the Northumberland Strait. It was amazing to see the 4 Grands and how much they have grown up. To be a part of their lives even for a brief moment in time was such a joy.
Visiting a friend on P.E.I. who I worked with as a psychiatric nurse at Oshawa General Hospital was another perk. So many years since we saw each other and yet it was like time had paused for us.
Camping in our RV at the KOA in Barrie was our annual treat to catch up with our Barrie Grands. These are moments embedded in my brain to be savored over the years. We spent Thanksgiving and Christmas at their home and enjoyed every moment with the family.
Christmas in Barrie with the Family
How about that winter storm just prior to Christmas? It was so bitterly cold and so much snow. Now the rain keeps pouring down. If it were snow we would be buried in it. Neither I nor our dog Bella enjoys the rain too much!! Winter garb with rain gear on top!!!
Giving my first major speech to a large crowd was so memorable, not just for the speech, but in representing Wellspring which always gives free programs to people with cancer. Kudos to my Toastmasters friends, Jimmy & Pauline, who helped me develop a well-rounded and interesting speech was so appreciated.
The confidence I gained from this experience was invaluable. I will continue to volunteer with this amazing program in the New Year. I have also had 4 Reiki treatments myself. This is a part of my self-care regime.
This past year I also lost 3 people in my life.
Two of them I worked with at Regional Mental Health Care in St. Thomas. One was a dear Doctor and the other a fellow nurse.
The last person was a friend who I babysat her kids when I was at the cottage. She ultimately, with her husband, purchased the Chapple cottage.
I treasure my rich memories of these three people and the effects they had on my life. I am grateful to have spent so much time with them. Take the time when people are here to celebrate them fully.
Rest in Peace my friends, until we meet again.
I don’t have specific New Year’s Resolutions for 2023. I do plan on more family adventures. Life is short and Grandchildren grow up so quickly. Our niece and her husband will be coming back to Canada this summer from Taiwan. We video chat with them every two weeks. To be able to hug them in person will be wonderful.
We hope to visit my brother and his wife in Brockville and my sister-in-law in Quebec this year. It has been over 3 years now since we have seen them. Yes, we do catch up on the phone or on messenger, but it is just not the same. We look forward to seeing my brother’s new home overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
I am planning to take another 7-week course with Ontario Health. This will add scope to my teaching opportunities in dealing with chronic pain. I am so familiar with that myself. Teaching is something that I love to do and it reminds me to follow some of the criteria that are taught. Groups are so important for support. I always love to see the change in people as they learn and grow.
This past year seemed to offer some relief from the isolation of past years. We have been managing with moderation to live in this new world.
For me, there is always the aspect of caring for others to keep them safe, and subsequently me as well. You can consider other people’s opinions but ultimately you must live by your own values.
The big reminder is to always be kind, not just to others but to yourself as well. Surround yourself with people who are positive and joyful.
Here is to a remarkable New Year in 2023.
~ Sue